Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Services (KUCCPS)CEO Dr. Mercy Wahome has advised candidates in the recently released KCSE 2020 exam on how to better revise their courses ahead of placement to universities and other institutions of higher learning.
Wahome advised students to look out for careers that put food on their table, noting that competition for placement would be stiffer this year owing to the better performance of students in the KCSE 2020 compared to that of 2019.
In KCSE 2020, 143,140 students scored a minimum grade of C+ compared to 125,746 students in 2019.
This translated to more students qualifying for universities yet the spaces in institutions of higher learning remained the same. As a result, these years cut off points for popular courses are set to be higher than last years.
Students were further advised to check the subject combinations required for their desired courses and look out for the cut off points for the courses. Cut-off points for each course will be available on the portal.
Wahome stated that the placement of students would be based on merit and availability of space in the university.
“When we have a student who scored an ‘A' and one who scored a ‘B+’ apply for the same course, the student who performed better will be given priority,” she reiterated.
KUCCPS launched an online training programme for teachers to get them to understand how to carry out career guidance. There is also a career selection training programme for students.
“When we were growing up, that was something that was well engraved in the system. We want to bring it back,” Wahome stated.
KUCCPS also has a career guide book, 'The Essential Career Guide' which is available in bookstores.
Students are encouraged to apply for courses in training institutions under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs as they also qualify for government sponsorship.
The deadline for first-time selection of and revision of courses is set for July 11, 2021. Students will know their placement by the end of July.
KUCCPS is a programme that seeks to provide government sponsorship to students in institutions of higher learning and training institutions.
