KCSE candidates to select varsities, TVETS courses after exams

Candidates sitting KCSE exams beginning next year will have to wait for their results before selecting their preferred university and college choices, it has emerged.

This is after the Ministry of Education banned the application of university places by candidates while they are still in school has been the practice.

Students will be required to make the selection after they have completed their KCSE exams in line with the new funding formula for universities and colleges.

"Following the introduction of a new funding model, applicants will make choices based on cost per programme as published in the KUCCPS online application system," said Basic Education PS Bellio Kipsang.

In a circular dated October 27, Kipsang said the decision was informed by the change in the funding formula.

The decision will affect over four million students currently in secondary school under the 8-4-4 education system.

This information will support decision-making by applicants and their parents/guardians. Centre/School application will therefore not be available going forward." the circular reads.

The circular is addressed to the County Directors of Education and copied to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and the Regional Directors of Education.

The application was done through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal.

"KUCCPS, therefore, wishes to inform the schools that applications for placement to universities and colleges will commence after the release of KCSE Examination results and declaration of programs, capacities and program costs by training institutions," the circular reads.

Kipsang called on KUCCPS to continue providing career guidance to the students while still in school and support subject selection to fit their careers of choice.

"Capacity building for Career Guidance Teachers will also be enhanced to empower them to guide students on application for placement," the circular reads.

The discontinued process involved students choosing 18 possible areas they wished to pursue.

Out of these, are six options for degree courses, four for diploma programmes, and a similar number for craft certificate options. Another four options are available for artisan certificate courses.

For degrees, candidates are expected to list their preferred four courses in the order of priority. Choice number one has three slots for the same programme (in three different universities).