The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has initiated a review of degree and diploma placement criteria, aiming to address concerns about unbalanced admission standards and stakeholder feedback. The process, set to begin on November 15, involves stakeholders including university vice-chancellors, academic registrars, and professional bodies.
Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome highlighted that the review follows complaints from students and education stakeholders about the current system. The last criteria overhaul occurred in 2017, but recent changes in academic programs and industry demands necessitate updates, she explained.
An Independent Criteria Review Committee (ICRC) has been formed to evaluate proposed adjustments for degree and TVET programs. The committee will assess subject grade requirements, aligning them with professional body standards and institutional proposals. Wahome noted that the current criteria for teacher training diplomas impose stricter requirements than degree programs, potentially excluding qualified candidates.
For instance, diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) applicants must achieve a KCSE Mean Grade of C (plain) with specific subject grades, while Bachelor of Education (Arts) candidates require a lower threshold. Stakeholders argue this disparity creates inequities in access.
The review also targets cluster requirements for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Stem) programs, which attract high competition. In 2020, medical and engineering courses at institutions like the University of Nairobi and Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology were among the most competitive nationally.
