500,000 KCSE candidates fail to apply for courses

500,000 KCSE candidates fail to apply for courses

Questions are arising about the whereabouts of nearly 500,000 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates from last year, who have not applied for any course placements.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu revealed that the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Authority had approved 768,624 placements across 69 universities, 210 TVET institutions, and three Secondary Teacher Training Colleges for the 2023/2024 placement cycle.

Among the 173,244 students who met the minimum university entry requirements, 140,107 secured placements. Of these, 130,485 will attend public institutions, which have a capacity of 200,621, and 9,622 will attend private institutions, with a capacity of 52,312.

“We are concerned because 23,138 students, or 13.35% of those eligible for university admission, did not apply at all,” Machogu said.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS) has placed 9,673 applicants, who qualified for degree courses, in TVET institutions. In total, 144,500 applicants were placed in TVET institutions, and 560 in Secondary Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs).

Overall, 870,561 candidates were eligible for placement in universities and colleges, but only 285,698 students submitted applications.

Machogu made these remarks while releasing the 2023/24 student placement results and launching the application portal for loans and scholarships at the Kenya School of Government (KSG). Attendees included KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Wahome, Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Anyangala, vice chancellors, and TVET principals.

“Among those who qualify for diploma courses at our technical institutions and middle-level colleges, 136,592 (63.9%) have not applied. Similarly, 249,149 (86.42%) of those qualifying for certificate courses have not applied,” Machogu added.

He urged these students to apply soon, as there is still capacity in universities and technical institutions.

The Cabinet recently approved the provision of foundation or bridging courses to help students meet the requirements for university admission. This measure is expected to create more opportunities for students to exploit their potential. The Ministry is working with stakeholders to implement this directive by September.

Machogu explained that bridging courses, first introduced in 2008, are being reintroduced in public and private universities to assist students who are on the verge of meeting the minimum grade requirements but are slightly short. CUE will send regulations to universities to develop systems for these bridging courses.

Additionally, Machogu launched an application portal for a new funding model for higher education. For the first time, students from the most financially disadvantaged households will receive 100% government funding for university and TVET education, including living expenses.

Of the 2022 KCSE graduates, over 45,000 university students and 42,000 TVET students classified as vulnerable and extremely needy will receive full government scholarships and loans. This classification will be determined using a scientific Means Testing Instrument (MTI).

Continuing students will not be affected by this new funding model and will continue to receive funding based on the existing model.

Since the presidential directive on May 3 to roll out the new funding model, the government has developed the Higher Education Financing Portal, where students can apply for scholarships, loans, and bursaries. Applications are to be submitted through www.hef.co.ke.

Vice-chancellors and principals have been directed to release admission letters by August 2, allowing students to apply for financial aid from August 3 to August 27. Students are encouraged to adhere to these timelines for prompt processing.

President Ruto introduced the new funding model to address the financial challenges faced by higher education institutions due to increasing enrollment and inadequate funding. Currently, universities are in debt by over Sh60 billion, and TVET institutions have seen a reduction in funding per trainee from Sh30,000 to as low as Sh17,000 annually.

500,000 KCSE candidates fail to apply for courses