55,000 yet to select university, college courses ahead of Monday deadline

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

With only two days remaining, 55,000 students are yet to complete the application for university and college courses.

Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) said the portal would close on Monday.

By Friday, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said 144,102 students had applied for placement in public and private universities.

Last year, 199,695 candidates sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination and qualified for university admission.

KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Mercy Wahome said in 24 hours, 22,307 students submitted their applications after technical hitches were addressed.

"KUCCPS application portal is working seamlessly. This is as a result of the interventions put in place by the team, which comprises KUCCPS and eCitizen officers. The application success rate has increased rapidly," said Dr Wahome in a statement also signed by e-Citizen Services Director General Isaac Ochieng.

"We assure applicants, parents and the public in general that the application process is smooth and all eligible persons should apply."

For the last three weeks, thousands of learners have been burning the midnight oil to log into the system without success. Machogu last week announced the extension of the deadline after the hitch.