CS Machogu Opens KUCCPS Portal As University Selection Process Begins

By Getrude Mathayo / Published May 17, 2023 | 3:03 pm

KEY POINTS

“The 869,783 students who sat for 2022 KCSE exams would enjoy a new funding model that was announced by President William Ruto."

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on Wednesday, May 17, directed The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to open the university application portal.

During the launch, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said qualifying candidates can now apply for education courses in universities, colleges, national polytechnics, and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Machogu announced that every student who sat for the 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education would be eligible to apply for various courses. The CS also said that the ministry had partnered with Huduma Centres to make the application process more manageable.

“I have directed KUCCPS to partner with Huduma Centres to ensure students apply from all parts of the country. KUCCPS officers will be sent out for personalized support to students, parents, and members of the public,” Machogu said.

“I urge all students to apply for the courses that they desire and qualify for so that we complete the transition from secondary education to higher education. We do not want to leave any student behind.”

Those who scored C+ and above were eligible for degree programs while the rest would apply for various courses offered in colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

“The 869,783 students who sat for 2022 KCSE exams would enjoy a new funding model that was announced by President William Ruto.”

“KUCCPS will publish fee structures for all programs in the institutions to guide students in making choices based on income levels, course chosen, and institution selected,” Machogu announced while opening the portal.”

Machogu further announced that students would enjoy two tiers of government funding.

“Upon being selected, students can apply for government scholarship from the University Fund. Placed students will also have the opportunity to apply for loans from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) which will be allocated using a foolproof system that will determine the amount to be awarded,” Machogu explained.

Machogu, therefore, directed KUCCPS to open the application portal immediately so that students could start making applications.

“I have made this directive after getting satisfied that the placement service has met the conditions for the new funding model. KUCCPS has verified and published all fee details of their programs and the data will be accessible for all students starting Wednesday, May 17,” Machogu directed.

While all students who scored C+ were eligible for degree programs, Machogu indicated that the students were free to choose diploma courses offered in TVET institutions should they wish so.

“KUCCPS will partner with Huduma Centres across the country to enable students to apply for the courses,” Machogu directed.

Whether students who join private universities will benefit from the funding, “Students who will select courses in public universities will be eligible to access both Government scholarships and loans, while those who will select Private Universities will be eligible for Government loans only.”

Machago directed that the university placement exercise would be completed by August and learners who scored C plain and below would be absorbed in 205 TVET colleges across the country.