The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has announced that the university and college placement portal for 2026 will officially open in March, marking a key step in preparing learners for their transition to tertiary institutions ahead of the September intake.
Speaking in an interview with Inooro TV on Monday, January 26, KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome emphasized that the move is crucial to ensure a smooth placement process for all students who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
“Once the portal goes live, applicants will be provided with guidance materials to help them navigate the system and make informed choices for universities and colleges,” Wahome said. She added that KUCCPS is currently assessing the capacities declared by universities and colleges to ensure that student placements align with the institutions’ actual intake capacities.
“There is a lot of work going on on both the college and university side, as well as on our side, to ensure that when I announce the placement, there is no confusion,” Wahome explained.
Ensuring Access for All Students
To ensure equitable access, KUCCPS has set up dedicated desks at Huduma Centres across the country, staffed with trained personnel to assist students, particularly those in areas with limited internet access. “In our system, there is nothing like failure; we accommodate everyone, even those who got an E,” Wahome emphasized. She noted that even where specific desks are not available, cyber personnel have been trained to assist students with the placement process.
Career Guidance Conference to Support Students
KUCCPS will leverage the 1st National Career Conference and Exhibition 2026, scheduled for January 27–29, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), to guide students and parents on higher education and career choices. The three-day event will bring together students, parents, universities, colleges, and other education sector stakeholders in a centralized forum.
The exhibition will feature over 100 institutions, including public and private universities, TVET colleges, professional bodies, and private sector partners. Students will have the opportunity to interact directly with these institutions, learn about courses, career pathways, and emerging job market trends.
KCSE 2025 Results Overview
A total of 993,000 candidates sat the 2025 KCSE examination, comprising 492,019 boys and 501,214 girls. Out of these:
- 270,715 candidates attained a mean grade of C+ and above, making them eligible for direct university entry.
- 507,131 candidates achieved C- and above.
- 634,082 candidates scored D+ and above, making them eligible for placement in TVETs, diploma courses, and alternative education pathways.
The portal will allow all eligible students to choose courses and institutions according to their grades. KUCCPS reassured students that the system accommodates all learners, ensuring that every student has a chance to progress to further education, whether through universities or TVET institutions.
With the placement portal set to open in March, students and parents are encouraged to attend the career guidance conference and prepare in advance to make informed decisions that align with the learners’ career goals.
