KUCCPS pushes for more applications as degree slots remain unfilled
As of mid-April, only 104,514 of the 246,391 students who achieved C+ and above have submitted applications for university degree programmes.
A significant portion of the 2024 KCSE candidates who qualified for university admission have yet to apply for placement in degree courses.
As of mid-April, only 104,514 of the 246,391 students who achieved C+ and above have submitted applications for university degree programmes.
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has extended the application window until April 30 to accommodate more students, offering a glimmer of hope that the numbers may rise before the deadline.
"We’ve had a good response so far, with no issues reported from the application system. We are encouraging students to consider agricultural studies, as there is significant potential in this field, KUCCPS CEO Dr Agnes Mercy Wahome shared with the Daily Nation.
The system is fully integrated with eCitizen, allowing smooth processing of applications.
Despite the extension, more than 140,000 students who are eligible for university studies have not yet taken action. This marks a significant delay in an otherwise active application process.
Additionally, KUCCPS noted that 8,130 students who could have applied for university programmes instead chose to pursue diploma courses, mainly in technical and vocational fields.
Institutions such as TVET colleges, the Kenya Medical Training College, and the Kenya School of Law are among the top alternatives for these students.
The KUCCPS platform uses a detailed assessment system to match students’ academic achievements with suitable courses.
Although the government has made efforts to ensure that each qualified student has a place, the uncertainty surrounding university funding remains a concern.
A recent High Court ruling quashed the government’s new funding model, leaving KUCCPS with little clarity on how to finance the incoming students.
The funding model had been introduced in May 2023 but was contested in court, with the KUCCPS failing to secure a stay of the decision.
KUCCPS has indicated that universities are expected to accommodate all 2024 candidates with C+ and above, with available spots for up to 300,000 students.
Despite these ample slots, the funding issue remains unresolved, especially following the court ruling which prevents KUCCPS from publishing the cost of academic programmes.
As students and their families await clarity on the financial aspect, the government’s higher education policies continue to face scrutiny.