The long-standing C+ university entry cut-off in Kenya could soon become irrelevant as the country fully transitions to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome saying the system must move away from overreliance on grades and focus more on skills, talent, and multiple learning pathways.
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has hinted at a possible future where the C+ minimum university entry requirement is no longer the dominant benchmark for higher education access.
Speaking on Tuesday, KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome said the current grading threshold is increasingly misaligned with Kenya’s evolving education framework as the country moves away from the 8-4-4 system to Competency-Based Education (CBE).
Her remarks come amid renewed national debate following the release of 2025 KCSE results, where a large number of candidates failed to attain the C+ grade required for direct university admission.
“This is a conversation that needs to start dying off as we get fully into CBC because we have overemphasised grades and measuring success by the number of students who join university,” Wahome said.
Move From Grades to Skills
Wahome noted that Kenya’s education discourse has historically focused on exam performance, often ignoring alternative pathways that still lead to university education and professional success.
She emphasized that many students who do not qualify for direct university entry begin with certificate or diploma programmes, later progressing to degree courses yet their success stories rarely receive attention.
“Some learners start with certificates, move to diplomas, and still end up in university, but nobody talks about them,” she added.
According to the KUCCPS boss, this rigid focus on the C+ grade is a legacy of the 8-4-4 education system, which prioritized examination scores over practical abilities. Under CBC, assessment is expected to place greater emphasis on hands-on skills, individual strengths, and real-world competencies.
Policy Still Working For Now
Despite these forward-looking statements, Wahome clarified that no immediate policy change has been implemented. The transition to the competency-based system is expected to take about two more years to fully roll out.
Her comments came just a day after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba dismissed reports suggesting that the university entry cut-off had already been revised.
“The government has not changed the policy of the cut-off point for admission to the university. This cut-off point remains C+ and above,” Ogamba said.
What This Means for Students
Education experts say the differing remarks reflect ongoing policy discussions, not a contradiction. While the C+ requirement remains official, Kenya is clearly laying the groundwork for a future admissions model that recognizes multiple education pathways, not just exam grades.
As CBC continues to take shape, key questions remain about how universities will balance academic standards with competency-based assessments, and how access to higher education will be broadened without compromising quality.
For now, students are advised to adhere to existing admission criteria , while keeping an eye on policy developments that could redefine university access in the coming years.
