Last week I met a frustrated form four leaver who had just scored A- in KCSE. He was admitted to pursue a degree in Structural Engineering. As we were talking, I realized he was not comfortable with the course—he was contemplating enrolling for a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering as a self-sponsored student. He asked me, “do you think I can get a job with this course?”.

“ Aki I am frustrated. I wanted to pursue Medicine, Law or Pharmacy but I was admitted for structural Engineering course. I have never heard anyone talk about this course and I think it’s not a good course. I don’t know what to do—I think they have ruined my life”, he complained.

I am fortunate to have interacted with many structural engineers and all of them are doing well. For your information, no single permanent structure in Kenya can be built without the approval of a structural engineer. All the mansions built must pass through this professional before they are approved. What’s amazing is that there are few structural engineers in Kenya, implying that jobs are in plenty.

Majority of structural engineers are working for construction companies, real estate firms or are self-employed. The unique part is that even if one is employed, they will still find themselves working as consultants.

How much structural engineers make per month in Kenya

One of the structural engineer working for the government told me that he earns Ksh 205,700 per month. He has worked for the institution for 7 years. When he was employed fresh from university, his starting salary was Ksh 63,000.

I also asked another one doing private practice and he told me he makes Ksh 600,000 to Ksh 1.2 million per month from consultancy. He operates from his office in Nairobi CBD.

Last year, I also interacted with another structural engineer in Nakuru who runs his firm. He confided in me that in a bad day, he makes Ksh 8,000.

Structural Engineering is a good course. It’s as good as Architecture. With a degree in this course, you won’t be jobless—there is always a job for you. Being jobless is not something you should be worried about.

Best universities to study Bachelor of Structural Engineering in Kenya

University of Nairobi, Moi University, JKUAT and Technical University of Kenya. For self-sponsored admission, they require C+ and above in KCSE. You also have to be good in Mathematics, Physics and Geography.

If you want to pursue the course under self-sponsored, you have to score at least A-(Minus) in KCSE.