KUCCPS CEO Suggests Removing C+ as University Entry Grade as Kenya Fully Transitions to CBC
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) Chief Executive Officer, Agnes Wahome, has indicated that the long-standing Grade C+ cut-off for university admission may soon be phased out as Kenya completes its transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking on Tuesday, January 27, Wahome explained that the current focus on the number of students attaining C+ and above has overemphasized grades at the expense of alternative pathways to success.
“This is a conversation that needs to start dying off as we get fully into CBC because we have overemphasised the grades and measuring using the number of people who get to university,” Wahome said. She added that thousands of learners who do not immediately qualify for university can still pursue certificates and diploma courses before eventually enrolling in universities.
“Some don’t get to university directly but take another pathway in life—start with a certificate, proceed to a diploma, and eventually end up in university—but nobody talks about them,” she noted.
Wahome observed that under the previous 8-4-4 system, Grade C+ was highly glorified, and this emphasis will gradually change with the full adoption of CBC. Under the new system, practical skills, talents, and hands-on competencies will carry greater weight than examination scores alone.
“I think we have overglorified Grade C+ and above, and that is a conversation that will definitely change when we look at Competency-Based Education,” she reiterated.
However, it is important to note that the C+ university entry grade remains in effect until the government completes the transition to CBC, which is expected to take about two years.
CS Ogamba Confirms Minimum University Entry Grade Remains C+
The KUCCPS update follows a statement by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, who dismissed claims that the university entry grade had been revised. In a brief note, Ogamba urged the public to disregard such information, confirming that the minimum university entry grade continues to be C+ and above.
“The government has not changed the policy of the cut-off point for admission to the university. This cut-off point remains C+ plus and above,” Ogamba said.
