The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has initiated a review of admission criteria for government-sponsored students, aiming to address long-standing concerns about unbalanced requirements for degree and diploma programs.
The process, announced by KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome, involves stakeholders including university vice-chancellors, academic registrars, and professional bodies. The review focuses on aligning minimum entry requirements with evolving educational standards and industry needs.
Wahome highlighted that the current criteria, last updated in 2017, has led to disparities. For instance, diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) applicants require a KCSE Mean Grade of C (plain) with specific subject grades, while Bachelor of Education (Arts) candidates face lower thresholds. This discrepancy has drawn criticism from education stakeholders.
An independent Criteria Review Committee (ICRC) was formed to evaluate proposed changes. The committee examined program clusters, professional body requirements, and institutional proposals. Wahome noted the need to standardize criteria following significant educational reforms over the past three years.
Stakeholder consultations will also address competitive programs like Medicine, Engineering, and Computer Science. In 2020, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery courses at the University of Nairobi were the most sought-after, with other high-demand programs including Dental Surgery, Architecture, and Engineering disciplines.
