Why 600,000 Students Did not Apply at KUCCPS to Join Universities or Colleges
The 2022 KCSE examination posed significant challenges for some students in Kenya, hindering their ability to attend college or university.
Teachers Updates explores the various obstacles encountered by students and sheds light on the reasons behind the low enrollment in Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), students’ preference for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and the increasing trend of seeking overseas educational opportunities.
Lack of Awareness and Financial Hardships:
A considerable proportion of the nearly 600,000 students who took the exams did not register with the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
The primary reasons cited were financial constraints and a lack of awareness about the application process. For many students, the Sh1,500 application fee proved to be a major deterrent.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Options
Despite earning excellent grades in the KCSE, some students opted for TVET institutions due to dissatisfaction with the placement process.
Others reported that KUCCPS gave them courses they weren’t interested in, prompting them to pursue alternative options.
Misplacement Concerns
Some students who achieved excellent grades in the KCSE found themselves enrolled in courses they did not select or placements they were unwilling to accept.
This issue raised concerns among students and contributed to their hesitancy in enrolling at KUCCPS.
Seeking Opportunities Abroad
A significant number of students from Eldoret and other regions expressed a preference for studying abroad, seeking better opportunities and faster completion of courses.
Factors such as strikes at local universities and limited job prospects upon graduation contributed to their decision to explore international education and employment opportunities.
Impact of Internet Services
Many Form Four graduates turned to online platforms to apply for courses at foreign institutions, particularly in Australia, Canada, and the United States.
They sought better prospects and a more streamlined academic experience abroad.
Financial Constraints and Higher Education Loans Uncertainty
Students from humble backgrounds expressed uncertainty about receiving loans from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) for university and community institution courses.
Financial constraints often hampered their pursuit of their dream courses.
TVET Affordability Concerns
Some students viewed TVET fees as expensive, despite government sponsorships.
As an alternative, they enrolled in shorter courses to acquire specific skills for self-employment and explore other opportunities.
Lack of Guidance and Information
Students in Nyanza faced uncertainty about their next steps after failing to register for KUCCPS placements.
Many were unaware that their grades could also be considered for placement, highlighting the need for better information dissemination.
Conclusion
Kenya faces various challenges in ensuring equitable access to higher education.
Financial constraints, misplacement issues, and the allure of overseas opportunities contribute to students’ uncertainty about pursuing local institutions.
Addressing these concerns will be crucial to fostering an inclusive and thriving higher education landscape in the country.
Why 600,000 Students Did not Apply at KUCCPS to Join Universities or Colleges
