© Victor Ochieng’
KUCCPS School/Centre Application for Degree and TVET Programmes: Principals’ Application Guide, directs students on how to apply for courses in colleges and universities. Initially, there was a directive from Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) for Heads of Institutions (HoIs) and Officers in charge of Career Services (OCSs) to create accounts, and apply for students’ placement into universities and colleges. Albeit, in 2023 there was an about-turn on this in line with National Policy Framework for Career Guidance in Kenya, a policy document conceived, mid-wifed and birthed by Ministry of Education and Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. KUCCPS dispatched a circular to Principals of secondary schools to end centre application of courses. Meaning, as I sit to weld these words in Kisumu Town while on my way to Sironga Girls’ School in Nyamira County, Form Four leavers fill the KUCCPS portal after release of KCSE results.
Somehow, Form Fours leavers can access information on various courses in 39 public universities, 33 private universities, 3 secondary teacher-training colleges, 205 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and 71 Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTCs) distributed in 43 counties across the country. As I weave these words, on Sunday, January 26, 2025, KUCCPS portal is open for 2024 KCSE candidate class to apply for two programmes: One, KMTCs of March 2025 intake, and two, TVET institutions of May 2025 intake.
Delving deeper, programmes offered in tertiary institution include: Degree, diploma and certificate (craft and artisan) courses. Largely, students secure placements based on their academic performance in KCSE exam, merit and affirmative action. Students have 18 choices: 6-degree options (1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 3 and 4), 4 diploma options (1, 2, 3 and 4), 4 craft certificate options (1, 2, 3 and 4) and 4 artisan certificate options (1, 2, 3 and 4). Advisedly, a student should apply only for a programme s/he will be comfortable to pursue in case there is success and breakthrough in the placement exercise. In case a student will not be applying, s/he 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 that a student is either not interested to join tertiary institution in Kenya or is planning to study outside the country.
In addition, pertaining degree courses, choices 1a to 1c, should be the same programme in different universities. For example: Medicine at the University of Nairobi, Maseno University and University of Kabianga. On the flip side, in cases where the programme only exists in one or two institutions, students should enter only the one available, and skip the other. Moreover, KUCCPS opens the portal for application of degree, diploma and certificate (craft and artisan) programmes. Students should pay Sh 1,500. Then, there is first and second revision of courses. While choosing courses in universities and colleges, students should consider factors such as cluster requirements, accreditation details, fees or cost, accommodation, location, ranking, marketability, work study programmes, scholarship opportunities, et cetera.
It is instructive to note. Matters cut-off points and cluster points are taken into consideration. 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. Diploma (Level 6) is a mean grade of C- (Minus) and above. Craft (Level 5) is a mean grade of D (plain) and above. Artisan (Level 4) is a mean grade of E.
Consequently, on matters cluster points, students should always know, there are 4 key subjects required for a particular course: (12×4=48). For instance, for medical courses, The Essential Career Guide by KUCCPS postulates that a student requires subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics and English/Kiswahili. Universities have different cluster requirements for courses. It is higher in city-based campuses due to high demand. Meaning, more students express intense interest to study in universities based in town like UoN, KU, TUK and JKUAT perhaps because of prestige and privileges in trendy towns like Nairobi, the jungle of concrete, where roads like Express Way have evolved to storeyed status. Ipso facto, students do not matriculate into universities simply because they have met the cut-off point — C+ (plus) of 46 points. Too true, KUCCPS will place them in courses of choice, only after meeting cluster requirements.
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. The student can also visit the cyber café in close range for assistance. It begins with logging to: students.kuccps.net. 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/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 rolls out career talks in schools. He speaks in schools during Career Days or Career Fairs. He trains teacher-counsellors in schools in charge of Guidance and Counselling and Career Services on how to run career programmes that are puissant. He guides Form 2 students on Selection of Subjects. He guides students (Form 2-4) on Selection of Courses after high school. He assists Form 4 Leavers to make informed career choices, apply for courses and to fill the KUCCPS portal correctly.
For any assistance, contact. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
