The process of transitioning Form 4 leavers to institutions of higher learning has evolved significantly over the past decade, giving students more options to pursue their desired careers.
Previously, direct university entry was highly competitive and largely reserved for top-performing students under the Joint Admissions Board (JAB), which selected candidates based solely on KCSE grades.
JAB often fluctuated cut-off points depending on the national performance, a system criticised for ignoring students’ career interests.
Following the Universities Act of 2012, JAB was disbanded and replaced by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), which officially began placements in 2014 for both public and private universities, as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
KUCCPS Chief Executive Agnes Wahome explains that the agency’s mandate extends beyond universities, covering institutions under 20 different ministries, including KMTC and Utalii College. This expansion allows students to explore a wider range of careers aligned with their skills and interests.
Under Wahome’s leadership, KUCCPS has implemented data-driven placement, reduced reliance on rigid university entry grades, and emphasised personalised career counselling.
Students now receive guidance on choosing courses that match their competencies and career aspirations, rather than being assigned based solely on performance metrics.
KUCCPS recently hosted the National Career Conference and Exhibition 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), under the theme “Informed Career Choices; A Skilled and Competitive Workforce.”
The three-day event showcased academic programmes and career pathways to thousands of learners, complementing county-level career guidance sessions for junior and senior students.
Wahome emphasised the importance of early career guidance, starting with primary-level learners, to identify talents and skills that can translate into lifelong careers.
The agency’s approach also aligns with Competency-Based Education (CBE), where learning focuses on mastering skills rather than time spent in class, and arts and sports are recognised as viable career paths rather than mere extracurricular activities.
In a move away from traditional cut-offs, KUCCPS has scrapped the C+ minimum grade as the sole measure for university entry, ensuring that every learner has equal access to higher education.
The agency has also extended the application window for past cohorts who were unable to join institutions due to various circumstances, allowing them to apply based on their original performance.
By combining expanded placement options with holistic career guidance, KUCCPS is reshaping how students navigate their educational and professional journeys, giving them the tools to make informed, personalised choices for their future.
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Education