The Department of Mechatronic Engineering

The Department of Mechatronic Engineering, which was established in 2008, is one of the departments in the Faculty of Engineering at J.K.U.A.T. It was born of the Mechanical Engineering Department, which developed and mounted the Mechatronic Engineering program in 2001.

Chair of Department

Welcome to the Department of Mechatronic Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). It is my pleasure to invite you to explore a department that stands at the forefront of engineering innovation, cutting-edge research, and technological advancement. Our multidisciplinary approach-integrating mechanical systems, electronics, control engineering, and intelligent computing-enables us to tackle complex real-world challenges with creativity and precision. With state-of-the-art laboratories, active research groups, and strong collaborations with industry and global institutions, we continuously push the boundaries of knowledge to develop advanced automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing solutions. At the heart of everything we do is the student. We are committed to creating an environment where learners grow into skilled, confident, and industry-ready engineers. Through hands-on project work, mentorship from dedicated faculty, and participation in pioneering research initiatives, our students are empowered to lead and innovate in Kenya, Africa and Globally. Whether you are a prospective student, researcher, or industry partner, we welcome you to join our vibrant community and be part of shaping the future of intelligent systems and engineering excellence.

Dr.-Ing. James Wamai Mwangi

Mechatronic Engineering is a synergistic combination of Mechanical Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Software Engineering. It involves application of precision engineering, control theory, electronics, robotics, computer and information science techniques in the design, manufacturing and control processes to create functional, adaptable and intelligent products. Mechatronic engineers are crucial to national and local economies, driving advancements in intelligent systems, automated production, and advanced manufacturing processes.

To meet the demanding training needs of the Mechatronic Engineering program, JKUAT offers a strong foundation in both engineering sciences and design. The engineering science component introduces students to fundamental engineering principles, while the engineering design component emphasizes design methodology, fostering creative skills and developing students’ abilities to solve complex, open-ended problems encountered in industry. The program also incorporates training in modern control techniques and artificial intelligence, demonstrating how these engineering elements integrate to create cutting-edge mechatronic systems.

Our faculty is comprised of experts in their fields, and we are dedicated to providing the best possible educational experience for our students. In the Department of Mechatronic Engineering, you will discover a community of learners dedicated to addressing some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges, from manufacturing and energy to transport and agriculture. Our aim is to foster a vibrant learning culture and provide ample leadership opportunities for our students, the future leaders of innovation. We value diversity, multiculturalism, and creativity, and actively encourage the pursuit of innovative ideas. We invite you to explore our website to discover the exciting educational and research programs available to prospective students.

History

The Department of Mechatronic Engineering, which initially was one of the seven (7) departments of the Faculty of Engineering at J.K.U.A.T, was established in 2008. It was born of the Mechanical Engineering Department, which developed and mounted the Mechatronic Engineering program in 2001. Currently, it is one of the departments in the School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, in the College of Engineering.

The Department of Mechatronic Engineering is located in the Engineering Laboratory Building (ELB) of the main campus, Juja. It offers undergraduate (B.Sc.), postgraduate (M.Sc.), and doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in Mechatronic Engineering.

The Department also has active research units in which specialized research, training and innovations that address the needs of the country are carried out.

Mission of the Department

To provide quality training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels as well as undertake research and innovation in the discipline of Mechatronic Engineering to meet the demands of industry in the region and beyond.

Vision of the Department

To be a center of excellence in training, research and innovation in Mechatronic Systems, Precision Engineering and Manufacturing Automation.

Objectives of the Department

To integrate teaching and research for effective application of knowledge and acquired skills
Train highly skilled manpower in Mechatronic systems, precision engineering and manufacturing automation.
To conduct research in the core discipline of Mechatronic Engineering and disseminate research findings in scholarly journals and conferences.
To develop new curricula and continually improve existing teaching curricula to meet the demands of a dynamic world.
To develop infrastructure and equipment necessary for training and research in the discipline of Mechatronic engineering.
To provide facilities and expertise for training of industry personnel aimed at enhancing their skills through specialized short courses in industrial automation.
To establish and strengthen industrial collaboration and partnerships in training, research and innovation.
To establish income generation mechanisms through training, research and consultancies.

The Department of Mechatronic Engineering offers three degree programmes namely BSc. Mechatronic Engineering, MSc. Mechatronic Engineering and PhD. Mechatronic Engineering.

Click the options below to explore your program of interest.

JKUAT provides students with the requisite practical competencies that are required in industry. Our labs and workshops offer optimal environment for the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world solutions, thereby preparing students for successful professional engineering careers. Our facilities include:

Advanced Manufacturing lab (ELB 114)
Vibrations and Control lab
Materials lab
Engineering Workshops
Innovation Prototyping Integrated Center (iPIC)

Research conducted in the Department

Laser Enabled Manufacturing of Solar Systems (LaSoMa)

Laser Enabled Manufacturing of Solar Systems (LaSoMa) project brings together a consortium of four African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with the aim of building research capacity in solar manufacturing across the African continent under the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme (2022–2027). The project aims to integrate smarter approaches for manufacturing such as advanced laser technologies, and artificial intelligence-powered systems in material processing, analysis and production. LaSoMa, therefore, invites African graduates in engineering and related disciplines to join a research community dedicated to developing cleaner, more efficient ways of producing solar and battery technologies, while building expertise in manufacturing, sustainability, and digital innovation. In collaboration with Pentecost University (Ghana), Federal University Lokoja (Nigeria), and the Federal University of Technology Minna (Nigeria), invites applications for Doctoral and Master’s scholarships in Mechatronic Engineering hosted at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya. Successful applicants will be those whose research aligns with additive manufacturing, smart metrology and data-driven characterization within the solar value chain, with a key focus on second-life and aged-module triage, e-mobility integration, and circular end-of-life decision-making.

Click here for more information

Launch of University Strategic Plan and Seminar by Chairman of Council

The University Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and several policies have been approved for implementation. Similarly, the JKUAT website has been revamped with a view to enhancing our visibility.

To celebrate these milestones, we are pleased to inform you that the Strategic Plan, University policies and the new website will be launched at a ceremony scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 25th June 2024 from 9:30 a.m in the Assembly Hall.

During the ceremony, the Chairman of Council, Dr. James M. Onsando will also give a seminar on ‘Commercialization of University Research and Innovations ‘.