KUCCPS Portal to Open for Inter-University Transfers

KUCCPS Portal to Open for Inter-University Transfers.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is set to open its portal on June 5, enabling students to transfer between universities and switch courses of their choice. This move comes amidst significant controversy and legislative scrutiny regarding university placements and associated fees.

National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi has disclosed that the Standing Committee on Education has called for the revocation of all placements for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2023 class. This directive arises from allegations of anomalies in the fees required for various courses. “I am privy to the information that the education committee of this house has already made some declarations or directives that the Minister of Education withdraws all university admissions on account of conflicts or anomalies in the amount of fees that students are supposed to pay for various courses,” Wandayi stated during a session in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

The Committee on Education has recommended that the Ministry of Education withdraw all university admissions due to these fee anomalies. KUCCPS CEO Mercy Wahome confirmed the portal’s opening date, emphasizing the agency’s aim to facilitate students’ transitions to their preferred schools and courses efficiently.

Placement results for university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions for learners who sat KCSE in 2023 were released in May. However, the placements have faced criticism and scrutiny, with allegations that some students are being forced into courses they did not choose, while others are placed in schools they cannot afford.

The call for an investigation into alleged irregularities in fees and student placements arose after widespread complaints from students and parents. Reports indicated that students and their families were being compelled to choose university courses based on affordability rather than qualifications and aspirations under the new funding model introduced last year.

First-year students, the first to experience this model, have already accumulated substantial fee balances, which are expected to increase as they progress. With the second cohort set to join universities in August and September, many students and parents have signaled their intention to apply for inter-university transfers once the KUCCPS system opens.

During the announcements of the results in May, Wahome assured that the process would be smooth, aiming to complete all transfers by July, ensuring students could report to their respective institutions in August. She emphasized the importance of applying for Higher Education Loans before the reporting dates. “A total of 153,000 students who qualified (76 per cent) will get the Education funding. We will ensure a seamless process so that by August all students should be settled in their schools,” Wahome stated.

According to KUCCPS, the placement process is governed by the Placement Policy and Processing Procedure, focusing on applicants’ choices, merit, and approved capacities.

Wandayi called for clarity on the matter, asking the Education Committee chaired by Julius Melly (Tinderet) to issue a statement promptly. “The state of affairs obviously paints a picture of serious confusion in the universities and colleges sector,” Wandayi asserted, adding, “It is a matter that requires immediate clarification for this issue to be addressed immediately.”

This year, 134,743 candidates have been placed in public universities. However, 47,872 students who qualified for university admission by attaining a mean grade of C+ in the 2023 KCSE did not choose any degree course. Of these, 11,991 opted for diploma courses, while 35,881 qualifiers remain unaccounted for. The 2023 KCSE Examination saw a total of 899,453 candidates sit the exam.

KUCCPS Portal to Open for Inter-University Transfers