Magoha: I Never Wanted to Be Education CS

Education CS George Magoha during the release of 2021/2022 university and colleges placement results on August 17, 2021.
Education CS George Magoha during the release of 2021/2022 university and colleges placement results on August 17, 2021.
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Education Cabinet Secretary, George Magoha, has revealed that he never wanted to be in charge of the Ministry.

Speaking at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) on Tuesday, August 17, during the University and Colleges placement results for the year 2021/2022 release, Magoha explained that the CS job has never been his first choice.

He added that he only took the job as a challenge and due to prevailing circumstances at the Ministry at that time.

Magoha was sworn in as Cabinet Secretary for Education on March 26, 2019.

Education CS Magoha speaking to learners of Chavakali High School, Vihiga County on March 6, 2021.
Education CS Magoha speaking to learners of Chavakali High School, Vihiga County on March 6, 2021.
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Addressing the KICD event, Magoha used his example of accepting a job he never wanted, to encourage last year's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates to consider alternative university and college choices should they not be granted the opportunity to study in their preferred ones.

"If you missed out on Medicine, go and do public health which is nearer to medicine rather than do anthropology which you will go and pursue at the university for nothing," suggested the CS.

The CS revealed that some students applied for the same courses in all the four choices provided, which would mean their options are severely limited and may remain unplaced, should they miss out on the only choice they picked.

Magoha also revealed that about 7,000 students did not apply for placement to universities and colleges, and will therefore not be placed.

He revealed that out of the 10,437 secondary schools that were registered examination centres in 2020, only 2,506 (24 percent) submitted their KCSE candidates’ choices.

Prof. Magoha also noted that candidates who qualify for university admission by attaining a C+ and above, are increasingly embracing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses despite having attained grades to join university. 

He revealed that 6,600 students who were eligible to join university, instead chose to go to technical colleges on their own volition.

The former University of Nairobi VC directed Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to conduct the Inter-Institution transfer process online, from September 1st to September 30th, 2021, in order to enable successful applicants to further align their courses.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Education CS Prof George Magoha during the launch of Ksh 1.9B desks project on September 17, 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Education CS Prof George Magoha during the launch of Ksh 1.9B desks project on September 17, 2020
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