Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Design objects, facilities, and environments to optimize human well-being and overall system performance, applying theory, principles, and data regarding the relationship between humans and respective technology.
What this career actually involves
Key tasks
- Collect data through direct observation of work activities or witnessing the conduct of tests
- Conduct interviews or surveys of users or customers to collect information on topics, such as…
Skills and strengths
- Written communication
- Clear communication
- Clear writing
- Reading comprehension
Typical work environment
Studio/Office; Field/Events; Remote/Digital; Irregular hours common
Employment type
Private sector; Public sector; Freelance/Contract/Consulting
Study routes from KCSE onward
Kenya-specific pathways, drawn from KUCCPS and the relevant professional regulator.
Pathway after KCSE
KCSE → Relevant engineering degree (chemical, agricultural, mechatronic, petroleum, mining, biomedical, industrial, etc.) → industrial attachment/internship → graduate/technologist role → Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists → professional registration/specialisation/management
Typical training route
Bachelor's degree in the relevant engineering/architecture field; professional registration may apply
Representative KUCCPS pathway
RELEVANT KUCCPS ENGINEERING PROGRAMME - choose specialism
Entry requirements
Most professional engineering degree routes require degree mean grade C+ with strong MAT A and Physics; Chemistry may also be required depending on the discipline.
Training duration
Professional engineering degree typically about 5 years; technology degree about 4 years; TVET diploma about 2-3 years
Helpful KCSE subjects
Related courses
- Relevant engineering degree (chemical, agricultural, mechatronic, petroleum, mining, biomedical, industrial, etc.)
- engineering technology diploma/degree
Institutions offering this route
Examples, not an exhaustive list.
- JKUAT
- University of Nairobi
- Technical University of Kenya
- University of Eldoret
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
- other KUCCPS engineering institutions
Professional regulator
Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK)
Demand and the effect of AI
Kenya demand
High - engineering is a major employer-reported skills-demand field; infrastructure, energy and construction support continued relevance.
Future outlook / AI impact
Positive / AI-augmented — demand appears relevant, while AI is likely to reshape tasks rather than eliminate the occupation. Build digital literacy alongside core professional skills.
Possible specialisations
- Board Certified Ergonomist
- Certified Professional Ergonomist
- Cognitive Engineer
- Engineer
- Engineering Psychologist
Use the exact discipline programme page for final subject requirements.
Could this career suit you?
May suit you if you enjoy designing, building or improving how things work; useful strengths include Written communication, Clear communication, Clear writing.
Weighing this against something else?
Put them side by side on subjects, entry requirements, duration and outlook.
Related careers
Roles that share skills, subjects or study routes with this one.
Sources
Occupation data: O*NET 17-2112.01. Kenya pathway: KUCCPS / regulator. Last verified 24 August 2026.
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