Education Ministry Responds to Students’ Struggles with KUCCPS Application Process
The government has stepped in to address the difficulties faced by thousands of Form Four leavers attempting to apply for courses in colleges and universities. This intervention follows a recent report highlighting the challenges encountered by those utilizing the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Although the portal opened on February 7, using e-Citizen has proven to be a daunting task, prompting students to work tirelessly to complete their course applications. Ministry of Education data reveals that as of February 25, a total of 121,391 students with a grade of C+ and above in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination have applied for various courses.
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This represents 60.8% of the 199,695 students who achieved a mean grade of C+ and above in the exams.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu acknowledged the challenges in the application process and assured that the ministry, along with other government stakeholders, is collaborating to address these issues. A technical team comprising representatives from relevant agencies has been formed to expedite the application transactions.
To address payment delays, the CS advised applicants to use the USSD code *222# to confirm payments and trigger validation. Mr. Machogu emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible applicants have the opportunity to apply for programs and institutions of their choice.
The initial application deadline of February 22 was extended to February 26. Considering the application pattern of 2022 KCSE candidates, it is projected that 86% of the 2023 KCSE candidates with C+ and above (171,738) will apply for placement.
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The remaining 14% are expected to explore opportunities in non-participating universities, Module II Programs, or institutions of higher learning in other countries.
As of February 25, 2022, 70% of all targeted applicants with C+ and above had applied for placement. Mr. Machogu announced that the ministry has instructed KUCCPS to extend the application deadline for seven more days, until March 4.
Students with mean grades between C and E are encouraged to take advantage of ongoing applications to select their desired diploma, craft certificate, or artisan programs in Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions. Mr. Machogu stated that this group of students can walk into their preferred Ministry of Education TVET institutions for assistance with the application process.
KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Wahome acknowledged the frustrations faced by parents and students during the application process. She blamed e-Citizen for the inconvenience, citing longer payment validation processes affecting KUCCPS.
Dr. Wahome assured stakeholders that the application deadline would be extended until the government ensures that no one is disadvantaged. KUCCPS will conduct two revision exercises for those who haven’t applied or secured a course, and additional placements are available for TVET and Kenya Medical Training College.
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The organization is collaborating with Huduma Centres, universities, and colleges to guide applicants.
Education Ministry Responds to Students’ Struggles with KUCCPS Application Process
