Recent data shows over 42,000 qualified students did not apply for university in 2024. These students skipped the KUCCPS placement process. Out of 244,563 students who scored C+ and above, only 201,695 applied. About 17% missed the placement cycle.
Education CS Julius Ogamba urged them to apply through continuous intakes. He mentioned universities, the Open University of Kenya, and KMTC. These institutions still admit students. Ogamba said options remain open. TVET colleges and KMTC accept students throughout the year. KUCCPS will open a second round for the KMTC September intake.
KUCCPS had enough slots for all 2024 KCSE candidates. It offered 986,137 spaces, including 300,000 in universities. The Commission for University Education approved all university slots. Of 965,501 KCSE candidates, 244,563 qualified for degree programmes. The rest qualify for TVET and technical training. So far, KUCCPS has placed 194,372 students. Of these, 162,252 went to public universities. Another 17,873 joined private universities. Some 7,640 students with C+ and above chose TVET.
Another 6,750 picked KMTC or teacher training colleges. The government has opened new institutions to expand access. These include Kabarnet and Nyandarua University Colleges. New KMTC campuses have also launched. KMTC courses remain highly competitive. Nursing attracted 27,000 applicants but had only 2,986 slots. Parliament allocated Sh500 million to support KMTC students through HELB. Placed students can now apply for loans.
The government plans to boost TVET funding. It has asked other ministries to contribute funds through HELB. The Higher Education Fund portal is open. Students can apply for scholarships and loans.
The Means Testing Instrument now includes more details. These include school fees, income, medical bills, and past support. This helps ensure fair and accurate funding.
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