Applications Open for EBK's Engineering Conversion Programme: A New Pathway to Professional Registration for BTech Graduates

The Engineers Board of Kenya, established under Section 3(1) of the Engineers Act 2011, is the statutory body mandated to regulate the practice of engineering in Kenya through the registration of engineers and consulting firms, the enforcement of professional standards, and the promotion of the general practice of engineering. Section 18(a) of the Act stipulates that registration as a graduate engineer requires a degree from a recognized university or other qualifications as determined by the Board. While the Board has successfully registered over 28,000 engineers, it recently identified more than 500 applicants holding degrees not currently recognized for registration. In response, the Board has collaborated with the Commission for University Education and the Council of Engineering Deans and Principals to develop a professional development program focused on the recognition of prior learning for these affected candidates.

This initiative, known as the Engineering Conversion Programme, serves as a structured pathway for Bachelor of Technology graduates to qualify for registration as Graduate Engineers. By aligning Kenyan engineering qualifications with international best practices and global mobility frameworks, the programme aims to enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan engineers in both regional and global marketplaces. Participants will undergo a tailored curriculum designed to equip them with the additional technical depth and professional skills required to meet EBK standards, ultimately leading to the award of an EBK Professional Certificate.

The programme is delivered through a blended learning approach that combines online lectures with mandatory in-person sessions for examinations, laboratory work, and practical workshops. Spanning a duration of 1.5 to 2 years across up to four semesters, the initiative is hosted in partnership with several accredited universities. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology provides training for the Civil and Electrical disciplines, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology focuses on Mechanical Engineering, and Moi University facilitates the Chemical Engineering discipline.

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must hold a four-year BTech degree in an engineering field accredited by the Commission for University Education. Candidates are also required to have attained a minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ with at least a C+ in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English or Kiswahili. Those who do not meet these specific secondary school requirements may bridge the deficiency by completing an accredited Diploma, Higher National Diploma, or a recognized bridging programme.

The application process is conducted online through a dedicated portal at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ebkecpapplication, which will remain open until January 15, 2026. The portal requires applicants to provide their full names, gender, telephone number, and email address while selecting their engineering discipline from categories including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, or other specified fields. Candidates must upload digital copies of their National ID or Passport, BTech degree certificate, full academic transcripts, KCSE certificate, and a recent passport photo. If applicable, certificates for Diplomas or Higher National Diplomas and any other supporting documents should also be included in the submission.

Furthermore, applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of 4,000 Kenyan Shillings via the eCitizen platform at https://ebk.ecitizen.go.ke/ by navigating to the CPD Events section and selecting the Engineers Conversion Program. A copy of the eCitizen payment receipt must be uploaded to the application portal to complete the process. Following the closure of applications, the Board will verify all submissions before successful candidates are forwarded to their respective partner universities for admission. The programme is scheduled to officially commence on February 15, 2026, and further inquiries can be directed to the Registrar at info@ebk.go.ke or by calling +254-20-2719974.