The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has hinted at major changes to university admission requirements, raising hopes for thousands of students who miss the traditional Grade C+ cut-off.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 27, KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome revealed that the long-standing Grade C+ requirement for university entry may soon be removed.
She explained that the current system is no longer sustainable as Kenya continues to transition to the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC), also known as Competency Based Education (CBE).
Wahome noted that Kenya is gradually changing how it views education and success, moving away from heavy reliance on exam grades alone.
Her remarks came amid concerns after a large number of candidates who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations failed to attain the minimum C+ grade required for university admission.
According to the KUCCPS boss, the country has for many years focused too much on the number of students who score C+ and above, while ignoring other viable education pathways that can also lead to successful careers.
She emphasized that not all learners are meant to join university immediately after secondary school. Students who do not qualify for direct university entry can still enroll in certificate and diploma courses and later upgrade to degree programmes.
“Remember, some don’t get to university immediately but take another pathway in life. They start with a certificate, move to a diploma, and still end up in university, but nobody talks about them,” Wahome said.
Wahome further explained that the old 8-4-4 education system placed too much importance on grades, especially C+. She said this mindset is expected to change as the country fully adopts the Competency Based Education system.
Under CBC, learners are assessed based on practical skills, creativity, talents, and hands-on abilities rather than exam results alone.
This approach aims to create more inclusive opportunities and reduce pressure on learners who may excel outside traditional academics.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with many welcoming the move as a relief to students, while others call for clear guidelines to maintain education standards.
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Education