Nyeri National Polytechnic (NNP), one of Kenya’s leading technical institutions, provides a wide array of mechanical and automotive engineering programs designed to equip students with hands-on expertise and theoretical understanding. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the automotive and mechanical sectors, NNP offers a range of courses for students seeking to pursue careers in these fields.
The polytechnic’s Mechanical & Automotive Engineering Department is renowned for offering high-quality training programs tailored to meet the needs of Kenya’s growing industrial and automotive landscape. Below, we present a detailed list of the courses available, ranging from certificate programs to higher diploma courses, with a focus on both practical and theoretical knowledge.
Competency-Based Training Programs
The Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) system employed by Nyeri National Polytechnic ensures that students graduate with practical skills directly applicable to the workplace. The following are some of the key courses offered under this system:
- Automotive Technology
- Level: 6
- Entry Requirements: KCSE C- with C- in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Physics
- Duration: 3 Years
- Study Mode: Regular
- Automotive & Electronics Engineering
- Level: 6
- Entry Requirements: KCSE C- with C- in Mathematics or Physics
- Duration: 3 Years
- Study Mode: Regular
- Automotive & Electronics Engineering
- Level: 5
- Entry Requirements: KCSE D+ with D in Mathematics or Physics
- Duration: 2 Years
- Study Mode: Regular
- Certificate of Competency in Automotive Engineering
- Level: 5
- Entry Requirements: KCSE D or Equivalent
- Duration: 2 Years
- Study Mode: Regular
- Certificate of Competency in Automotive Engineering
- Level: 4
- Entry Requirements: KCSE D- or Equivalent
- Duration: 6 Months
- Study Mode: Regular
- Certificate of Competency in Motorcycle Mechanics
- Level: 3
- Entry Requirements: KCPE or Equivalent
- Duration: 3 Months
- Study Mode: Regular
- Mechanical Technology (Production)
- Level: 6
- Entry Requirements: KCSE C- with C- in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Physics
- Duration: 3 Years
- Study Mode: Regular
- Mechanical Production Technician
- Level: 5
- Entry Requirements: KCSE D+ with D in Mathematics or Physics
- Duration: 2 Years
- Study Mode: Regular
- Welding & Fabrication
- Level: 5
- Entry Requirements: KCSE D+ with D in Mathematics or Physics
- Duration: 2 Years
- Study Mode: Regular
- Manual Arc Welding
- Level: 4
- Entry Requirements: KCSE or Equivalent
- Duration: 6 Months
- Study Mode: Regular
- Lathe Machine Operations
- Level: 4
- Entry Requirements: KCSE D- or Equivalent
- Duration: 6 Months
- Study Mode: Regular
KNEC-Accredited Programs
These programs are regulated and examined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and are designed for those wishing to attain higher qualifications in mechanical and automotive engineering.
- Higher Diploma in Automotive Engineering
- Level: Higher Diploma
- Entry Requirements: Diploma in Automotive Engineering or Equivalent
- Duration: 2 Years
- Higher Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Level: Higher Diploma
- Entry Requirements: Relevant Degree/Diploma
- Duration: 6 Terms
- Diploma in Automotive Engineering
- Level: Diploma
- Entry Requirements: KCSE C- with D+ in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Physics
- Duration: 3 Years
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Plant Option)
- Level: Diploma
- Entry Requirements: KCSE C- with C- in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Physics
- Duration: 3 Years
- Craft Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
- Level: Certificate
- Entry Requirements: KCSE D with D in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics, and Physics
- Duration: 2 Years
- Artisan Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics
- Level: Artisan
- Entry Requirements: KCSE or Equivalent
- Duration: 1 Year
Short-Term Professional Courses
Nyeri National Polytechnic also offers professional and short courses that cater to individuals seeking to upgrade their skills or gain specialized knowledge in a shorter time frame.
- Motor Vehicle Electrician (Level 3)
- Entry Requirements: Open
- Duration: 3 Months
- Welding and Fabrication (Grade III to I)
- Entry Requirements: Open (Progressive Levels)
- Duration: 6 Months per Level
- Panel Beating & Spray Painting
- Entry Requirements: Open
- Duration: 3–6 Months
- Lathe Operator (Level 3 & 4)
- Entry Requirements: Open
- Duration: 3–6 Months
- Motor Vehicle Mechanics (Grade III to I)
- Entry Requirements: Open (Progressive Levels)
- Duration: 6 Months per Level
The Advantage of Studying at Nyeri National Polytechnic
Nyeri National Polytechnic is an institution that stands out for its focus on producing graduates who are well-equipped to enter the workforce with the right technical skills. The polytechnic offers cutting-edge training facilities, highly qualified trainers, and close ties with industry leaders, ensuring that students receive not only academic knowledge but also hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world challenges. Furthermore, the institution’s curriculum is regularly updated to align with the needs of the rapidly evolving engineering sector in Kenya.
With a commitment to producing industry-ready graduates, NNP also fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Students who complete their training at NNP are often well-placed to either secure high-paying jobs or start their own successful enterprises in fields such as automotive repair, mechanical engineering, fabrication, and more.
