500K KCSE candidates Fail To Apply For Courses .
500K KCSE candidates Fail To Apply For Courses . 500,000 KCSE Candidates Fail to Apply for Courses.
Nearly 500,000 KCSE candidates from last year haven’t applied for any course placements, raising questions about their plans. Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu disclosed that 768,624 placements were approved across universities, TVET institutions, and Secondary Teacher Training Colleges for the 2023/2024 cycle.
Out of 173,244 students meeting university entry requirements, 140,107 secured placements. Public institutions will admit 130,485 students, and private institutions will admit 9,622. However, 23,138 eligible students didn’t apply at all. KUCCPS placed 9,673 applicants in TVET institutions, with 144,500 applicants placed in TVET institutions and 560 in Secondary Teacher Training Colleges. 870,561 candidates were eligible for placement, but only 285,698 applied.
During the release of placement results, Machogu emphasized the need for students to apply, noting that 136,592 eligible for diploma courses and 249,149 eligible for certificate courses hadn’t applied.
The Cabinet approved bridging courses to help students meet university admission requirements, with regulations provided for universities to develop systems for these courses. A new funding model for higher education was launched, ensuring students from financially disadvantaged households receive 100% government funding.
Over 45,000 university students and 42,000 TVET students classified as vulnerable will receive full government scholarships and loans. Continuing students won’t be affected by the new funding model. The Higher Education Financing Portal allows students to apply for financial aid.
Vice-chancellors and principals were directed to release admission letters by August 2, allowing students to apply for financial aid from August 3 to August 27. President Ruto introduced the new funding model to address financial challenges faced by higher education institutions. Universities are in debt by over Sh60 billion, and TVET institutions have seen a reduction in funding per trainee from Sh30,000 to Sh17,000 annually.
The issue of 500,000 KCSE candidates not applying for courses underscores the need for reforms to bridge educational gaps and ensure all eligible students can pursue higher education opportunities.
