173,137 Students Eligible for University Placement, Says CS Machogu
Over 173,137 students who achieved a mean grade of C+ and above in the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) have qualified for admission to public universities, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
He made this announcement during the launch of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal in Nairobi.
Machogu also mentioned that students who scored a C plain and below would be placed in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
However, he emphasized that those who scored a C+ and above but preferred to join TVET institutions were free to do so.
To facilitate the application process, Machogu directed KUCCPS to open its portal, allowing all KCSE candidates to apply for their desired courses in universities and TVET institutions.
He expressed his satisfaction with the Placement Service’s compliance with the new model, as they had verified and published all fee details on their website.
In addition, Machogu revealed a collaboration between KUCCPS and the Huduma Kenya Secretariat.
This partnership aimed to enable students to apply for their courses at any of the 52 Huduma Centres nationwide.
Furthermore, KUCCPS officers would be stationed at universities and colleges in each county to provide personalized support and assistance to students, parents, and the general public.
Machogu set expectations for the Placement Agency, urging them to conduct a comprehensive communication and sensitization campaign.
This initiative aimed to ensure that all students were aware of the application process.
The entire process should be completed by August 2023, allowing students to begin their studies at their respective institutions in September.
Once the placement process concludes, students will be required to contact their chosen institutions for joining instructions and guidance on applying for government scholarships and loans.
Students selecting any of the 39 public universities will be eligible for government scholarships and loans, while those opting for private universities will only qualify for government loans.
This initiative by the Kenyan government aims to provide opportunities for higher education to a larger number of students.
By offering a range of options, including public universities and TVET institutions, the government seeks to cater to the diverse aspirations and interests of Kenyan students.