On Tuesday, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) unveiled the placement results for students who took the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and KUCCPS CEO Agnes Mercy Wahome provided detailed insights into the placement outcomes and the overall distribution of students across various higher education institutions.
Before the placement process began, higher education institutions declared their available capacities, which cumulatively amounted to 1,078,806 slots. This included 278,006 slots in universities, 769,820 in TVET colleges, 13,808 in Teacher Training Colleges, and 17,172 in KMTC.
CS Machogu emphasized that the placement took into account applicants’ choices and qualifications, along with the available capacities. He urged Vice-Chancellors and Principals of Colleges to promptly engage with their prospective students and their guardians to provide reporting dates and other joining instructions.
University Placements
A significant milestone was reached with 201,146 students (22.5%) achieving a mean grade of C+ and above, thereby meeting the minimum requirement for admission into degree programs in the Kenyan Universities. Among these students, 153,274 (76.2%) were successfully placed into various degree programs at both public and private universities. Specifically, 220,684 students secured spots in public universities, while 57,322 were placed in private institutions.
IN NUMBERS
- KCSE Results and Placement:
- 201,146 (22.5%) students attained a mean grade of C+ and above.
- 694,086 (77.5%) attained grades between C and E.
- 153,274 students placed in degree programs (76.2% of those who qualified).
- 75,718 applicants placed in TVET institutions.
- 56,516 applied to KMTC; 19,653 placed.
- 10,263 applicants placed in TTCs (734 in Secondary, 9,529 in Primary).
- Institutional Capacities:
- 1,078,806 total capacities.
- 278,006 in Universities (Degrees).
- 769,820 in TVET colleges.
TVET and Other Tertiary Institutions
For the 694,086 students (77.5%) who attained grades ranging from C to E, the pathway to Diploma, Craft, and Artisan programs in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions remained open. Notably, 75,718 applicants secured places in TVET institutions, with 11,991 of these being students who qualified for degree programs but opted for diploma courses instead.
The placement also included significant allocations to non-Ministry of Education TVET institutions, with 19,752 students enrolled. In addition, 17,005 students were placed in university-affiliated TVET institutes, showcasing a growing trend towards technical and vocational education.
In the teacher training courses, a total of 10,263 applicants were admitted into diploma programs. This included 734 students in the Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education program and 9,529 in the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education program.
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) received substantial interest, with 56,516 applications. Out of these, 19,653 students were placed in its 71 campuses nationwide, reflecting the institution’s critical role in the country’s healthcare education.
The placement process also incorporated affirmative action policies, providing special consideration to eligible applicants from marginalized and minority regions, as well as those with disabilities. In total, 2,452 students benefited from these affirmative measures, ensuring a more inclusive educational environment.
“This year’s placement process was a more laborious one compared with previous years. It was the first time that KUCCPS placed students to Universities, TVET institutions, KMTC and TTC within a single process,”
HON.Ezekiel Machogu Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Education
Dr. Wahome highlighted a notable trend where Bachelor of Education programs attracted the highest number of applicants. Male students continued to dominate placements in degree programs, while female students were predominantly placed in TVET institutions—a pattern observed since the inception of the centralized placement system in 2020.
