Kenya’s education placement system is once again in the spotlight after a parliamentary committee raised concerns over growing inefficiencies in student placement.
Appearing before the Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) faced tough questions over why more than half of the 2024 KCSE candidates who qualified for university are yet to apply for degree placement — with just two weeks left before the deadline.
Data presented by KUCCPS revealed that only 104,514 out of 246,391 students who scored C+ and above have applied for university placement.
Lawmakers expressed alarm over the low turnout, suggesting that students are losing faith in a system riddled with confusion and poor communication.
Committee Chair Hon. Thuddeus Nzambia (Kilome) said, “We are witnessing a growing lack of trust in the placement process. Students are either confused, frustrated, or simply not interested — and that points to a system that is no longer working.”
MPs also questioned KUCCPS over the continued use of public funds to sponsor students in private universities despite many public institutions operating below capacity.
KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome defended the agency, citing ongoing awareness campaigns and a new digital platform to facilitate applications.
But MPs demanded documented proof, greater transparency, and a clear policy on private university placements.
The grilling comes amid wider calls to reform Kenya’s higher education system, with MPs pushing for more student choice, better coordination, and accountability in how taxpayer funds are used.
