The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has officially confirmed that the university and college placement portal will open in March 2026, setting the stage for thousands of students to begin the transition to tertiary education.
Speaking during an interview on Inooro TV on Monday, January 26, KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome said the move is a critical step in preparing learners who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations for admission into universities, colleges, and TVET institutions later in the year.
KUCCPS Finalising Institutional Capacities
Wahome revealed that KUCCPS is currently reviewing the capacity declarations submitted by universities and colleges, a process meant to ensure students are placed strictly within the limits institutions can accommodate.
“There is a lot of work going on on both the university and college side, as well as on our end, to ensure that once placement begins, there is no confusion,” Wahome explained.
Once the portal goes live, applicants will receive guidance materials to help them navigate the system and make informed decisions when selecting courses and institutions.
No Student Will Be Left Out, KUCCPS Assures
The KUCCPS CEO emphasized that every student who sat the 2025 KCSE examination will be accommodated, regardless of their grade.
“In our system, there is no failure. We accommodate everyone, even those who scored an E,” Wahome stated.
To bridge digital access gaps, KUCCPS has deployed trained officers to Huduma Centres across the country, ensuring students from areas with limited internet connectivity can still apply.
According to Wahome, even Huduma Centres without dedicated KUCCPS desks have cyber cafés whose operators have been trained on how the placement system works.
Career Guidance Conference Set for January
As part of preparations, KUCCPS will host a three-day career guidance conference from January 27 to 29, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The forum will bring together over 100 institutions, including public and private universities, TVET colleges, professional bodies, and private sector partners.
Students and parents will receive guidance on career pathways, course requirements, and higher education opportunities.
KCSE 2025 Performance
According to data from the Ministry of Education:
- 993,000 candidates sat the 2025 KCSE examination
- 270,715 candidates scored C+ and above, qualifying for direct university entry
- 507,131 candidates attained C- and above making them eligible for diploma programs
- 634,082 candidates scored D+ and above, qualifying for certificate courses
These figures highlight the broad scope of placements KUCCPS will manage once the portal opens.
What Students Should Do Next
KUCCPS has advised candidates and parents to:
- Regularly check the KUCCPS Student Portal
- Attend career guidance forums and exhibitions
- Seek assistance early at Huduma Centres
- Carefully review course requirements before applying
The March opening of the placement portal marks a crucial milestone for the September 2026 intake, as thousands of learners prepare to take the next step in their academic and professional journeys.
