A total of 869,782 candidates who sat for the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination are now eligible to apply for admission to universities and colleges. The placement process was officially launched today, announced by Ezekiel Machogu, the Cabinet Secretary for Education. Students can now access comprehensive information on various courses offered by 39 public universities, 33 private universities, three secondary teachers training colleges, and 205 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Tvet) colleges.

These educational programs encompass a wide range of options, including degree programs, diploma courses, craft certificates, and artisan courses. The students will be placed based on their preferences and performance in the KCSE examination.

Machogu emphasized, “I hereby notify all the 173,127 candidates who achieved the minimum university entry grade of C+ in the 2022 KCSE examination that they are eligible for placement into degree programs. Candidates who attained a C (plain) grade or below will be absorbed by Tvet institutions throughout the country.”

Machogu further revealed that, as per the new funding model for universities and Tvet institutions, government scholarships will only be awarded to students who select public institutions. Students who opt for private institutions will be eligible for education loans from the Higher Education Loans Board instead.

Once students have applied for their desired courses, they will proceed to apply for scholarships, which will be awarded by the Universities Fund (UF), and loans through the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb).

Previously, the UF used to automatically provide financial support to all students placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) in both public and private universities.

“I anticipate that the placement agency will conduct an effective communication and awareness campaign to ensure that all students are well-informed about the application process. This process should be completed by August 2023, allowing students to commence their studies at their respective institutions in September,” Machogu emphasized.

Students can seek assistance in the application process from any of the 52 Huduma Centres located throughout the country, where KUCCPS has provided training to the officers.

“After the placement, these students will be required to contact their respective institutions to obtain joining instructions and guidance on how to apply for government scholarships and loans,” stated the Cabinet Secretary.