The Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, which is one of the departments in the School of Mechanical, Manufacturing & Materials Engineering was started at the inception of J.K.C.A.T.
Dr.-Ing. Peter Oketch

Chair of Department

It is my pleasure to invite you to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Mechanical engineering is one of the most diversified and dynamically evolving engineering disciplines. We have an undergraduate degree program which leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Our graduate research programs lead to Master of Science (MSc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering which both require research and thesis.

History

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, a department in the School of Mechanical, Manufacturing & Materials Engineering (SoMMME) was started at the inception of J.K.C.A.T. Over the years, there has been tremendous growth in the department in undergraduate student numbers, staff and facilities. There is also a growing population of postgraduate students whose research is supported by a number of institutions.

The aim of our programme is to develop student’s capacity to face challenges head on and provide solutions in a confident and logical manner. This is done through interaction with members of faculty (who are experienced both in academic and engineering practice) to ensure students gain the right skills for this. Our program highly emphasizes on imparting skills through practical sessions that take place in laboratories and design rooms. These are backed up by state of art computers and equipment.

Our programme consists of core engineering disciplines that expose students to design, materials, thermo-fluids and power engineering. Besides the core engineering subjects our students also undertake interdisciplinary programs such as communication skills, marketing and research methodology to enable them communicate with engineers and managers in the field. Moreover their exposure is complemented by at least 8 weeks of industrial field attachment whenever they complete the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year of study. This makes them the best and highly sought after by employers. There are five programmes in the department of Mechanical Engineering namely; Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Material & Metallurgical Engineering, Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering.

Washington Accord Accredited

In February 2025, Bsc. Mechanical Engineering was accredited under the Washington Accord Standards. READ MORE.

 

If you are interested kindly pay us a visit at the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

BROCHURE

Vision, Mission, Objectives & Outcomes

Vision: A department of excellence in training, research and innovation in mechanical engineering field for sustainable development.

Mission: To offer accessible quality training, research and innovation in order to produce leaders in power generation, renewable energy, building services, automotive, manufacturing, maintenance, industrial system control, materials, and marine systems to suit the needs of a dynamic world.

Programme Educational Objectives (PEO)

  1. Engineers with the knowledge and competency to perform and succeed in the area of Mechanical Engineering and other related fields.
  2. Innovative Mechanical Engineers with technical skills and scientific expertise that enables them to practice as certified professionals.
  3. Engineers who demonstrate professional ethics, engage in sustainable development as well as life long learning.
Programme Outcomes (PO)
  1. Engineering Knowledge: Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, computing and engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialization as specified in WK1 – WK4 respectively, to develop solutions to complex engineering problems.
  2. Problem Analysis: Identify, formulate, research literature and analyze complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences with holistic considerations for sustainable development (WK1 – WK4).
  3. Design / Development of Solutions: Design creative solutions for complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes to meet identified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, whole-life cost, net zero carbon as well as resource, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations as required (WK5).
  4. Investigation: Conduct investigations of complex engineering problems using research methods including research-based knowledge, design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions (WK8).
  5. Modern Tool Usage: Create, select and apply, and recognize limitations of appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT tools, including prediction and modelling, to complex engineering problems (WK2 and WK6).
  6. The Engineer and the World: When solving complex engineering problems, analyze and evaluate sustainable development impacts to the: society,  economy, sustainability, health and safety, legal frameworks, and the environment (WK1, WK5, and WK8).
  7. Ethics: Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and norms of engineering practice and adhere to relevant national and international laws. Demonstrate an understanding of the need for diversity and inclusion (WK9).
  8. Individual and Collaborative Teamwork: Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse and inclusive teams and in multi-disciplinary, face-to-face, remote and distributed settings (WK9).
  9. Communication: Communicate effectively and inclusively on complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, taking into account cultural, language, and learning differences.
  10. Project Management and Finance: Apply knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, and to manage projects and in multidisciplinary environments.
  11. Life-Long Learning: Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability for;
    • independent and life-long learning,
    • adaptability to new and emerging technologies, and
    • critical thinking in the broadest context of technological change (WK8).

News & Events

Bsc. Materials and Metallurgical Engineering: Everything engineered starts with a material.