Ideally, KUCCPS School/Centre Application for Degree and TVET Programmes: Principals’ Application Guide, has good guidance and advice on how students can apply for courses in colleges and universities. Then, KUCCPS agency has announced 63 placement support centres across the country, targeting the aforesaid applicants. Officers have been deployed in those centres to chaperone applicants.

Largely, students secure placements into Degree courses based on their academic performance in KCSE, merit and affirmative action. Focusing on programmes, students have 18 options, which include: 6 Degree options (1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 3 and 4), 4 Diploma (Level 6) options (1, 2, 3 and 4), 4 Craft Certificate (Level 5) options (1, 2, 3 and 4), and 4 Artisan Certificate (Level 4) options (1, 2, 3 and 4).

Advisedly, students should apply only for programmes they are comfortable to pursue. In case students are not to apply, they should not enter anything in the fields. Instead, it is okay to leave the choice cells blank, and only fill the contact details. Likewise, failure to fill the portal means either the student is not interested to join tertiary institution in Kenya. Or is planning to see beyond the sea – study abroad.

In addition, pertaining Degree courses, choices 1a to 1c, should be the same programme in three different universities. For instance, Engineering at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT).

Conversely, in case the programme only exists in one or two institutions, students should enter only the one available, and skip the other. There will be first and second revision of courses. Application costs Sh 1,500 paid to the e-Citizen pay bill 222222. While choosing courses in universities, students should consider factors such as cluster requirements, accreditation details, fees or cost, accommodation, location, ranking, marketability, work study programmes, scholarship opportunities, et cetera.

Moreover, matters cut-off points and cluster points must be taken into account. Some courses have additional subject requirements published on KUCCPS portal when it opens for applications. For degree programmes, cut-off points and applicants’ weighted cluster points will also be a factor. On minimum requirements for admission to various levels, KUCCPS states: Entry into Degree courses requires a C+ (plus) of 46 points, and above. Diploma (Level 6) is C- (minus) and above. Albeit, for a course such as Diploma in Nursing, the mean Grade is C (plain) and above. With at least a C- (minus) in Mathematics and D+ (plus) in Biology. Craft Certificate (Level 5) is the mean grade of D (plain) and above. Artisan Certificate (Level 4) is a mean grade of E.

Consequently, on matters cluster points, there are 4 key subjects required for a particular course. For instance, for medical courses such as Medicine itself, Clinical Medicine and Nursing, The Essential Career Guide by KUCCPS postulates, apart from peerless performance in all subjects, these key subjects will apply: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics and English or Kiswahili.

Finally, these are the guidelines on how to access, and apply for courses on KUCCPS portal. Computer and digital skills are of help here. With sufficient bundles or internet connectivity, the student can apply using a hand-held device like a phone or tablet. It can also be done on a laptop, or desktop at home with sufficient internet connectivity. The student can also visit the cybercafé in close range for assistance in application.

It begins with logging to: students.kuccps.net. Or send an email to info@kuccps.ac.ke. Enter the index number. Enter the KCSE year. Enter password: Birth certificate number/entry number/KCPE index number. Click programme lists. Select the programme/institution you wish to apply. The document will be downloaded as a PDF file. Check out for the programme codes and note them down.

Go back to the menu bar. Click application or revision. Key in the forms for submitting the programme code. Type the codes you had noted. Submit it. Go for payment instructions: For eCitizen, pay bill number is 222222. Enter the account number provided. Pay Sh 1,500. Get a confirmation text. Go back to the application window and enter the account number (Payment REF). Submit it. The application will be successful.

The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices. 

vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232.

In retrospect, in September 2022, when Dr. William Ruto came up with the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform (PWPER), key among its terms of reference on tertiary education was to recommend a great framework of operationalising the national Open University of Kenya (OUK). Likewise, PWPER recommended a well-thought-out framework on Open, Distance and E-learning (ODEL). Meaning, students who have had trouble in accessing tertiary education plus the ones that failed to attain the cut-off points to enroll in universities courses of their choice will have crucial chance to upgrade and climb the lofty ladder of academic erudition.

Therefore, in the recent past, the President awarded a charter to the 42nd public university — Open University of Kenya (OUK). It was a monumental milestone as the move underscored the essence of Open and E-learning in enhancing access to higher education. It marked flexible access to quality and relevant programmes also deemed as cost-effective.

OUK admitted its maiden cohort of students to its virtual programmes in September 2023. The pioneer programmes were 6 in total, which included: Bachelor of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, Bachelor of Data Science, Bachelor of Education Technology, Bachelor of Science in Business and Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Economics and Statistics, and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Food Systems.

Again, there were 2 post-graduate diplomas, which included: Leadership and Accountability and Learning Design and Technology. Consequently, OUK introduced 18 programmes in September 2024. This brought the total number of programmes on offer in that university to 25. There was curriculum development for new programmes, with 90 specialists in various disciplines undertaking the task at the National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI).

Ideally, the pioneer programmes abutted more on business and technology courses. Progressively, the new programmes focused on education. As well as nursing and agriculture. Pundits posit: the new programmes were the right response to market demands.

Just apprise to you about it. The new programmes under the School of Education include: Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology, Master of Technology Education, Post-graduate Diploma in Education, Master in Educational Leadership and Policy and Bachelor of Science in Education (Mathematics and Computer Studies).

Moreover, the School of Business and Economics is poised to offer: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting, Finance, Banking, Insurance, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Marketing, Procurement and Supply Chain Management and Operations and Logistics). In addition, the academe offers: Bachelor of Economics and Data Science. As well as Master of Business Administration (Accounting and Finance, Human Resource Management, procurement and Supply Chain Management, Strategic Management, Project Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Operations and Logistics Management.

Ipso facto, the first doctorate programme at OUK happens to be: Doctor of Philosophy, Business Management (Accounting and Finance, Human Resource Management, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Marketing Management, Project Management, Strategic Management, Operations and Logistics Management and Entrepreneurship. The School of Agriculture will offer a Bachelor of Science in Agri-Technology and Food Systems programme.

By the same token, there are 8 more programmes in the School of Science and Technology. These are: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Learning Design and Technology, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Information Technology Enabled Services, Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics and Master of Science in Data Science and Forensics and Business Analytics.

Somewhat, OUK envisions to nurture talents and hone skills. It aims at shaping graduates in a holistic manner. How? By making them innovative and practical people. OUK integrates modern technology in order to deliver quality academic programmes and research. Ostensibly, breaks down geographical, economic, and social barriers, which have excluded some students when it comes to access of tertiary education.

Actually, OUK is an online university established to be: The Innovative University for Inclusive Prosperity. Its physical location is the Konza Technopolis — Africa’s Silicon Savannah. Then, it is a button away on the computer, laptop or smart phone. Students are a cohort of their own because they are to apply whenever they are ready, and are admitted at their own time. Students also request for exams when they are ready. It is easily accessible from anywhere in the country, and in the comfort of learners’ homes. It is at the heart of the present and the future of the country in everything digital. It is a great leaver for harnessing dividends of the digital economy. As well as the 4th Industrial Revolution.

Finally, the significance of online learning has gained prominence in this dispensation. It avails infinite spectra for life-long learning and the capacity to draw on digital technology to reach to the marginalised communities, and the working class in Kenya, and beyond. In March 2020, the invasion of Covid-19 pandemic taught us the integral role of online learning. There was the paralysis of education system at all levels.

The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices.

vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232

March 6, 2025, is the day Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) opened its portal for Form Four leavers to apply for placements into teacher-training colleges in Kenya. March 20, 2025 is the deadline for this application open to the KCSE classes of 2000 to 2024.

Majorly, concerning the teacher-training colleges, there are two programmes. Firstly, there is the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education. The qualification for this programme is an overall KCSE requirement of a mean grade of C (plain). Or mean grade of C- (minus) for visually and hearing-impaired persons. There are no specifications for minimum KCSE subject requirements. It is instructive to note: the P1 Certificate in Primary Teacher Education is no longer there. It is defunct. Secondly, there is the Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education. The overall KCSE requirement is a mean grade of C+ (plus). There are minimum KCSE requirements. the requirement is a C+ (plus) in the two teaching subjects — combinations. Likewise, the applicant should have scored C (plain) in both English and Mathematics.

Ideally, there are only 3 secondary teacher-training colleges offering the Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education. The colleges include: Kagumo TTC, Kibabii TTC and Lugari TTC. Then, there are 33 teacher-training colleges offering the Diploma in Primary Teacher Education. The colleges include: Aberdare TTC, Asumbi TTC, Bishop Mahon TTC, Bondo TTC, Borabu TTC, Bunyore TTC, Chesta TTC, Egoji TTC, Eregi TTC, Galana TTC, Garissa TTC, Kaimosi TTC, Kamwenja TTC, Kenyenya TTC, Kericho TTC, Kigari TTC, Kilimambogo TTC, Kitui TTC, Kwale TTC, Machakos TTC, Mandera TTC, Meru TTC, Migori TTC, Moi Baringo TTC, Mosoriot TTC, Murang’a TTC, Narok TTC, Seme TTC, Shanzu TTC, Tambach TTC, Tarbaj TTC, Thogoto TTC and Ugenya TTC.

In order to apply for placement, interested applicants can visit the students’ portal via the KUCCPS website: www.kuccps.ac.ke. Somewhat, the detailed guidelines and raft of instructions pertaining the applications are available on the portal. By the same token, applicants in need of further advice and guidance, can visit the KUCCPS offices at the ACK Garden House on 1st Ngong Avenue in Community in Nairobi. Likewise, they can visit any public teacher-training college. Or any of the 58 Huduma Centres across the country.

The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232

Unrest is a feeling of disturbance and dissatisfaction in a person or people. In most cases, unrest in schools manifest faster as disaster, disrupting activities. For instance, there are flash floods that can sweep schools and sad fire incidences that raze down schools without a tinge of mercy. Disaster can strike anywhere anytime. Meaning, no school is immune to disaster occurrence. No wonder, before things go south, it is important to implement the raft of recommendations as spelt out in the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya.

Ideally, disaster can manifest as accident, explosions in science laboratories, invasion by wild animals or armed people and outbreak of a contagious disease. We all remember how Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in March 2020. There can be hysteria and school closure due to violence. Disaster can be breakdown of essential services such as water, transport and electricity. Then, there are unrest and strikes. Many a time, it is not easy to fight and defeat disasters, especially the ones beyond human comprehension and control. Albeit, Heads of Institutions (HoIs) should explore practical ways of mitigating catastrophes through disaster preparedness, disaster relief and disaster recovery. Of no to inferno, schools should focus on fire prevention, fire safety and fire eradication.

Back to the gist of the safety manual, schools should keep students posted on escape routes when fire goes berserk and shows its ire. Dormitories should be built in strict adherence to security and safety standards. They should be clean, salubrious and properly ventilated. Spaces between beds should be at least 1.2 metres. Corridors or pathway spaces should not be less than 2 metres. Since sharing of beds is wrong, promoting aberrant behaviour like homosexuality (sodomy, gayism and lesbianism), admissions should be tied to bed capacities at all times. It is dangerous to lock dormitory doors from outside when learners are inside. Conversely, dormitories should be locked at all times when learners are elsewhere. Each dormitory should have a door at each end, and an additional clearly labeled emergency exit at the middle. Fire extinguishing equipment should be placed at each exit, with fire alarms fitted at easily accessible points.

Likewise, there should be fire assembly points where students can gather as school authorities take roll call in morbid moments. Advisedly, maintain well-equipped emergency aid kits, fully-furnished with whistles, fire extinguishers and basic equipment for first aid. Focus on regular drills. Preferably every term. On evacuation procedures for fires and accidents. Focus on fire prevention measures. For instance, the kitchen should be at the right place. Focus on safety of electric cables. Somewhat, for the sake of holistic safety, it is incumbent upon the government to design and implement compulsory school safety training course for principals, teachers, students and staff. Schools should employ enough security guards with basic training in disaster management and mitigation. Schools should focus on stringent measures to curb spate of students’ unrest and bullying.

Moreover, classrooms should be properly lit and ventilated. The size of buildings should adhere to the specifications of the Ministry of Education (MoE). Classrooms should accommodate number of learners in line with the provisions of the MoE circular on Health and Safety Standards in Educational Institutions (2021). The doorways should be adequate for emergency purposes, open outwards, and should not be locked from outside at any time when learners are on board. For storeyed buildings, the stairways should be wide enough and located at both ends of the building without obstructions. The construction of stairways should accommodate learners with special needs. Handrails in the stairs should be strong and firmly fixed. Corridors should be well-lit and ventilated. Schools should deal firmly with the menace of drug abuse which impair judgement of some students, turning them into arsonists. Schools should install CCTV cameras for purposes of surveillance and vigilance. Ubiquity of teachers in charge of boarding is important. Schools should teach peaceful ways of resolving conflict in Life Skills Education. Then, both students and staff should be trained on school safety. Again, teens love food. Therefore, give them good food while focusing on both quality and quantity. In turn, in third term when there are no inter-school activities, remember to stage some internal co-curricular activities to help them expend excess energies. Select, train and induct a strong Student Council. Enforce school rules and regulations with tact. The Discipline Committee should handle discipline cases judiciously and justly without oiling cogs of corruption.

Ostensibly, Principals should fix leadership lapses in the school. Arouse a sense of responsibility in all and sundry. Principals and Deputies should avoid high-handedness. Give room to guided democracy. Embrace dialogue and “open-door policy”. Get feedback and address issues raised by both staff and students. Practise flexibility as a soft skill. Let there be peaceful co-existence among all stakeholders. Manage change in the new station. Work well with the community. Do away with bad blood in administration. Do not balkanise staff through “divide-and-rule”. Handle resistance with discretion and wisdom. Train and trade staff. Construct and re-construct teams. Organise and re-organise departments. Determine and discern enemies within. For in Gem, where I was born and brought up, our elders say, the hyena can only enter the compound using the hole created by the family dog. Above all, pray, as you remain vigilant: to detect and uproot seeds of discord or division. In Matthew 13:25, we read, “But while men slept, the enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.”

Moreover, Principals should strike beautiful balance in their leadership style. I recommend a page-turner titled The Leader Who Had No Title, where Robin Sharma posits that leaders should be tough, but tender; courageous, but compassionate; firm, but fair; strong, but sincere. Consequently, combination of leadership approaches will delete reproach. Remember, the leadership style depends on the situation at hand. Create open sessions where students can air their grievances without victimisation. Organise well-thought-out edutainment — entertainment plus education — to help students steam-off, love school, gain joy and enjoy learning. Explore creative activities that can arouse sense of pride and belonging in learners. With that, they will not vandalise school property when the push comes to a shove. Then, we should never forget the raft of recommendations in The 2001 Naomi Wangai Report whose nub was Students’ Discipline and Unrest in Secondary Schools. The report established: Oodles of exams served to Form Four candidates as they prepare to write KCSE exams, can cause chaos. Therefore, right at the onset, as you launch the Form Four Programme, explain to the candidate class the purpose of running an examination system as one of the Best Academic Practices after completion of syllabus. Force, threats and intimidations may not work well in these times and climes. More so, among these Gen Z. Advisedly, engage impactful speakers with enough expertise and experience. Strengthen the psycho-social and spiritual programmes. Teacher-counsellors to be proactive. Empower Peer Counsellors. Work closely with the church through chaplains. Parental engagement and empowerment is important because discipline begins at home.

Writer rolls out talks and training services in schools. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232

Initially, there was the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model where the government provided financial support to students based on cost of specific courses. Then, came the new one, Variable Scholarship and Loan Funding (VSLF) model, which Justice Chacha Mwita at High Court ruled recently to be unconstitutional and lacked public participation.

Going by the new funding model, university students are to get State funding for their tertiary education based on where they fall in 4 categories. Report of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform chaired by Prof Raphael Munavu proposed the categories as: Vulnerable, extremely needy, needy and less needy. Then, in the recent past, there was a slight review of the model. The introduction of 5 categories: Band 1-5. Band 1(previously vulnerable), band 2 (previously extremely needy), band 3 (previously needy) and band 4 (previously less needy). Then, there is band 5 (new category).

Chiefs and local pastors are to play an integral role in identifying various categories of students through a system known as Means Testing Instrument, developed by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

Based on the category, a student will get different levels of funding in form of scholarships, loans and household contributions. In order to determine a student level of need, HELB will use these parameters: Parent background, gender and course, school type, expenditure on education, family size and composition, marginalisation and person living with disability.

First Funding Formula

Vulnerable students were to get full funding through 82% scholarship from the government, and 18% of HELB loan. The extremely needy were to get 70% scholarship, and 30% HELB loan. Households of students in categories of vulnerable and extremely needy students were not expected raise any amount. The needy were to get 53% scholarship, 40% HELB loan. The less needy were to get 38% scholarship, 55% loan. In that funding formula, households of students falling in the categories of needy and less needy were to raise 7% of the fee.

All students who scored C+ (plus) and above, were to apply. It is how they would be eligible for scholarship consideration. Albeit, students should take note. That in the new funding formula, students who matriculate into private universities, will not be eligible for government scholarships. Moreover, for those who are eligible, the government will consider merit, level of need, national priorities and affirmative action when selecting beneficiaries.

Reviewed Funding Formula

In the reviewed funding formula, all categories (Band 1-5) are eligible for scholarships and HELB loan. Then, all household will have a certain percentage of fee to raise. Consequently, there will be Upkeep Boom for each category. Band 1 (previously vulnerable) will get 70% scholarship, 25% HELB loan, household will pay 5% and the upkeep boom will be Sh 60,000. Band 2 (previously extremely needy) will get 60% scholarship, 30% HELB loan, household will pay 10% and upkeep boom will be Sh 55,000. Band 3 (previously needy) will get 50% scholarship, 30% HELB loan, household will pay 20% and upkeep boom will be Sh 50,000. Band 4 (previously less needy) will get 40% scholarship, 30% HELB loan, household will pay 30% and upkeep boom will be Sh 45,000. Band 5 (new category), will get 30% scholarship, 30% HELB loan, household will pay 40%, and upkeep boom will be Sh 40,000.

The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232

Speaking at the event, Jared Oundo, Executive Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa (JSA) which is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to the improvement of living standards, social ethics, dignity and empowerment of communities. and an aspiring MP for Embakasi South in 2027, emphasized the need for government accountability and immediate action.

“The people of Mukuru kwa Reuben and Embakasi South have endured enough. They are paying for healthcare but cannot access proper medical services. Fires have left families homeless, and water shortages continue to cripple livelihoods. The government must listen to the people before the situation worsens,” Oundo stated.

One of the key concerns raised was the inefficiency of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which has been widely criticized for failing to disburse funds to hospitals, leaving patients stranded without medical care. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) and the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) recently issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, threatening nationwide protests if reforms were not implemented. “More than five million Kenyans are at risk of missing critical medical services due to SHA’s failed system,” UKCS Secretary General Tom Odege warned. “Public servants are paying double for a system that doesn’t work, while government leaders prioritize personal interests.”

The healthcare crisis has left thousands of residents and Kenyan citizens at large struggling, with many forced to rely on expensive private hospitals or community fundraising to access treatment.

Residents also decried the frequent fire outbreaks, the most recent one occurring in Kariobangi area near Gatoto, which destroyed homes and businesses. With inadequate fire response mechanisms in informal settlements, families are often left to rebuild their lives with little to no support.

Community leaders at the forum called for improved emergency response services, better housing infrastructure, and proactive disaster prevention strategies.

Embakasi South residents continue to suffer from chronic water shortages, with thousands lacking access to clean drinking water. Despite repeated government promises, water supply remains unreliable, disproportionately affecting low-income families in informal settlements like Mukuru kwa Reuben.

The forum also criticized the lack of investment in critical infrastructure, calling on both county and national governments to prioritize roads, drainage systems, and sanitation projects.

With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the forum also urged politicians and the community to commit to peaceful political transitions and avoid divisive rhetoric that could fuel tensions.

The leaders vowed to continue mobilizing residents and stakeholders to push for solutions, warning that if the government does not act, they will escalate their efforts.

“This is just the beginning. We are demanding action, not empty promises. If our voices are ignored, we will persist in advocating for solutions through every available channel until meaningful change happens,” Oundo asserted.

The participating organizations plan to petition government agencies, engage policymakers, and sustain media pressure to ensure their grievances are addressed.

For now, the residents of Embakasi South and Mukuru kwa Reuben remain hopeful but skeptical, watching to see whether their leaders will listen—or whether history will repeat itself once again.

Apart from the preparedness to study in Kenya, Form Four leavers should also see and seize scholarship opportunities based abroad. This gives us a riveting rehash of Tom Mboya (Rateng’ Okew Gi Odhiambo) – the silver-tongued and spell-binding orator. I fleshed this from Prof B.A. Ogot’s heroic book titled Tom Mboya: Life, Death and Disintegration of the Nascent Enterprise ‘Project Kenya’. Tom Mboya’s greatest gift to Africa was the philanthropic project of Kenyan students’ airlift to America (1959-1961). The maiden trip of 1959 had 81 students. The second one of 1960 had 288 students. Then, the third one of 1961 had 300 students.

Notable beneficiaries included: Pamela Odede, later the wife of Tom Mboya, Prof Wangari Maathai – the eco-warrior and 2004 Nobel Laureate. Then, there was Barrack Obama Senior, among others. Dr. Susan Mboya, Tom Mboya’s youngest child, carries the fire lit by the father through Zawadi Africa Education Fund (ZAEF), which since 2002 hitherto, has been supporting bright but needy belles: studying in Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Canada, United States and South Africa. When the philanthropic drive started in 2002, only two girls benefitted, but by 2009, about 86 girls had received hope and help. The raft of qualifications include: the applicant must be a female student who is needy, scored an A (plain) or A- (minus) in KCSE, undertaken leadership role in school or community and should have completed high school not more than 2 years before applying. Applications are opened every February and closed in April of each year. This is the website: http://www.zawadi.org/apply-now/.

Consequently, Kenya Scholar Access Programme (KENSAP) extends hope and help to high-achieving, but financially disadvantaged Kenyan students. Successful applicants secure crucial chances to matriculate into top universities in US with full financial aid. The applicants must have scored at least an A- (minus) in KCSE, with at least a B (plain) in English. Applicants who scored less than an A- (minus), should send Statements of Purpose: explaining why they think they should be considered. Successful applicants benefit from college application assistance, mentorship, SAT or ACT coaching, pre-college counselling and access to the rich alumni network. This is the website: https://www.kensap.org/apply. Naphtali Haya, an alumnus of Alliance High School, is one of the success stories. After scoring an A (plain) in KCSE 2016, he secured KENSAP scholarship, and proceeded to pursue Engineering at Harvard University. Serendipitously, while at Harvard, his Senior Capstone Project, which is a requirement for all engineering students emerged the best. In turn, he scooped the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Engineering Project.

Moreover, in 2023, through Equity Leadership Programme (ELP), around 73 students joined Ivy League tertiary institutions in countries such as USA, UK, Canada, China, India and Germany. 5 joined Pennsylvania, 3 joined Harvard, 2 went to Princeton, 2 matriculated into Dartmouth, 2 went to Cornel, 1 joined Brown and 1 went to Columbia. In 2024, ELP enrolled 505 students from 47 counties to undergo leadership mentorship before joining top universities. The 26th cohort had 215 who scored A’s in 2023 KCSE. Then, 104 Wings to Fly Programme participants and 186 Elimu Scholarship recipients. Students on Wings to Fly Scholarship and Elimu Scholarship who score A- (minus) and A (plain) in KCSE, become automatic beneficiaries of ELP. Then, top students in every sub-county in KCSE exam also become beneficiaries of ELP.

In addition, there is the Student Refugee Programme (SRP) through World University Service of Canada (WUSC), which assists refugee students to study in Canada after high school. The 2025-2026 SRP Kenya applications opened on February 9, 2024 and closed on February 23, 2024. Qualifications include: Be a refugee living in Kenya of between ages of 18-25, minimum grade of B+ (plus) for male students and B- (minus) for female students, be proficient in English or French, be single and without children, have barriers to accessing or completing undergraduate education. Be self-reliant, mature, and suitable for integration in Canada.

Then, Education and Social Empowerment Programme (EaSEP), assists Kenyan students from low and middle-income settings to join elite North American colleges and universities. EaSEP’s main aim is to develop globally-educated, open-minded, ethical leaders for Kenya’s future. Each year, EaSEP selects 10 students and assists them to apply for full-need-based in some Ivy League tertiary institutions in North America. Qualifications include: At least an A- (minus) in KCSE and demonstration of leadership. Applicants should have roots in Western Kenya. EaSEP areas of jurisdiction include: Baringo, Nakuru, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Kericho and Bomet. Ideally, students should either be from those areas by birth or attended learnt in schools nestled in those regions. Applications close in July. The website: http://www.easepkenya.org/.

Furthermore, HeadStart Africa (HA) by DLA Piper in collaboration with DLA Piper Africa, offers robust support to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds who have traditionally experienced barriers such as insufficient funding for their studies. Or lack of opportunities to develop employability and network in their pursuit of tertiary education and a career in law or law-related career such as finance or IT. To be eligible for HeadStart, you must: Come from a low-income household like Orphaned and Vulnerable (OVCs) and a Person Living with Disability (PLWD). Be interested to pursue a legal career or law-related course such as finance or IT. Scored a B (plain) or B- (minus) from marginalised communities. Attended a public secondary school. Wielding leadership and moral fitness letter from secondary school. A letter from the chief. University admission letter if already admitted. Contact Sandra Abong’o, the responsible business co-ordinator: headstartafrica@ikm.co.ke.

Finally, study-abroad opportunities serve as excellent pathways to tertiary institutions abroad. These oodles of opportunities offer exciting experiences. Various study-abroad agencies such as craydel can also facilitate this journey. When applying to study abroad, students must prepare scanned copies of KCSE certificates, international passport and any other requisite document.

The writer offers piece of advice and guidance to students on how to make informed career choices. vochieng.@gmail.com. 0704420232

Since its inception, WIFA has been at the forefront of championing women’s roles in film and television, from directing and producing to screenwriting and cinematography. This year, with the support of Gordon’s Gin, WIFA is set to deliver an even more immersive and memorable experience, reinforcing the importance of visibility and recognition for women in the industry. Gordon’s recognizes the importance of spotlighting the stories of the women shaping Kenya’s film landscape through the media and its influencers that serve as an inspiration for future film makers.

“Women have been at the heart of Kenya’s evolving film industry, yet many still go unrecognized,” said Dr. Susan Gitimu, Founder of WIFA. “WIFA was created to change that narrative, and we are thrilled to have Gordon’s on board as a partner who shares our vision of empowering and elevating female creatives. This collaboration is a step towards ensuring that women’s voices continue to shape the future of film.”

The awards are an opportunity for women in the creative industry to connect, network, and toast to the achievements of women in film over delicious Gordon’s cocktails.

“Gordon’s is proud to stand with WIFA in recognizing the incredible women who are pushing the boundaries of storytelling in Kenya,” said Zipporah Ndung’u, Senior Brand Manager, Gordon’s Kenya. “Film is a powerful medium that shapes culture, and by supporting WIFA, we are ensuring that female creatives receive the visibility and recognition they deserve. Having previously partnered with Insignia Productions on Single Kiasi, we are thrilled to now support WIFA in its mission.”

This is not the brand’s first foray in film as Gordon’s has even been featured in global classics such as James Bond’s Casino Royale.

The Women in Film Awards 2024 will take place on 8th March, marking International Women’s Day with a grand celebration of outstanding female filmmakers and industry professionals.

1. Land Appreciates Over Time

As Kenya’s population grows and urban centers expand, the demand for land continues to rise, ensuring that landowners benefit from consistent value appreciation. According to the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Land Report, on average, land value in Kenya appreciates by 10% annually, with some regions experiencing higher appreciation values due to urbanization. This steady growth makes land one of the most reliable and rewarding investments in 2025. Land in areas like Ngong and Konza continues to witness significant growth due to infrastructural development and the prices have increased steadily over the years. Buy affordable value-added land and plots for sale in Ngong Kimuka with ready title deeds and watch your investments grow!

2. Low Maintenance Costs

Tell me about an investment that requires little to no maintenance cost in this day and age apart from land. As an investor, buying a piece of land allows you to enjoy stress-free investments compared to other investments that need constant monitoring and management. As a land investor, the only responsibility you have is to ensure that there are no cases of encroachment on your land and that you pay annual land rates and rent, which are relatively low. To ensure that your land is safe from land grabbers, ensure that you periodically visit your land and fence it. Other investments and businesses come with frequent repair costs and management fees, unlike land which simply sits and appreciates over time.

3. No Risk of Depreciation

The only investment where every shilling invested grows is in land investment. This is because the value of a piece of land does not depreciate but instead appreciates with time, unlike other investments whose value plummets due to economic downturns. On the other hand, many businesses require a lot of maintenance and mismanagement may depreciate the value of the business investment. When an investment is poorly managed, it can easily fall, but this cannot happen in land investment because the value of land appreciates. Similarly, land requires minimal upkeep, has no depreciation and allows you to enjoy passive wealth accumulation without the stress of daily management.

4. Land is a Tangible and Secure Asset

Investing in land is investing in a tangible asset that you can feel and touch hence offering both security and control of your investment. The tangible aspect of a piece of land gives the investor a sense of ownership over their investment as they can visit and utilize the land to generate passive income all while maintaining full control over the investment. Consequently, land investors can use their title deeds as collateral for loans, therefore offering financial flexibility that cannot be possible with other investments. This combination of stability, utility and financial leverage makes land a preferred investment choice for those seeking long-term security.

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5. Kenya’s Expanding Infrastructure Boosts Land Value

With major infrastructural developments happening, many regions continue to grow and develop into renowned satellite towns in Kenya. These developments, including roads, railways and smart cities, are driving up the value of land across the country. Some of these projects including the Nairobi Expressway, Konza Technopolis and the Ngong Suswa SGR, have sparked rapid growth in their surrounding areas, leading to a sharp rise in land prices. As a result, areas like Ngong and Konza are experiencing unprecedented demand, with property values increasing at a remarkable rate. With even more infrastructure developments planned, landowners in these regions can expect their investments to appreciate significantly over time making land investment a better investment option this year.

6. Flexibility in Usage

Land has more than one use which is different when it comes to other forms of investment. With land investment, you have the option of land banking as you wait for value to appreciate and sell later, you can use it for agricultural purposes, you can build rentals or even sell and make profits. The level of flexibility that land investment offers is unmatched compared to other investments which can only be used for the initial purpose. Unlike other investment options, land investment is not limited to market trends, as the opportunities are endless.

Conclusion

When making the decision on what investment journey to take, the options to choose from are endless. However, it is important to choose a low-risk yet still lucrative option, which is land investment. Land Investment is more flexible and has low risk and a high appreciation rate, which will in return, have a high return on investment. Kenya is currently facing rapid urbanization which has caused the demand and value for land to go up thus making it a perfect asset for homeowners and investors alike. Take that bold step and choose a land investment location with Username Investment today.

The writer is the CEO of Username Investment Ltd.