Universities placement agency sets timeline for new admissions
The 246,391 students who qualified for university admission in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations will finally start applying for placement next week.
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) Chief Executive Officer Agnes Mercy Wahome has told Nation that they will announce the exact date for opening the portal once the board approves the process.
“This week, we received the approved capacities from universities. They have declared capacities of about 300,000, so you can see that it’s more than the students who qualified for admission. We’ll place all qualified students who will apply,” Dr Wahome said.
The academic calendar for most universities begins between August and September.
While appearing before the Committee on Education of the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Ogamba said the portal would be opened before the end of the month.
“There was no clear understanding regarding KUCCPS and university funding, especially given that the current funding model was shelved by a court decision. We agreed that by the end of this month, the portal should be open for university students. We are now working on what should happen next and addressing related issues,” Mr Ogamba told MPs.
Students who qualified for university admission have been in limbo over their fate as various issues cloud their placement and funding. This is after the High Court last December quashed the funding model introduced by the government in 2023 and it is not yet clear how the new students alongside those in their second and third year of study will be funded.
KUCCPS appealed but its attempt to have the ruling stayed to allow it place students into various programmes flopped.
Dr Wahome said that the applications portal will not display the cost of the academic programmes as has been over the last two years, in compliance with the court ruling.
The CEO declined to say how the students will be funded, stating that the mandate of KUCCPS to place qualified students does not extend to their funding. Students are funded through the Universities Fund which caters for their tuition as capitation.
“We can’t display the cost of the programmes. Placement and funding have been delinked,” she said.
Under the model, the cost of the academic programme (at market rates) would be displayed on the applications portal for students to see before applying. They would then apply for a scholarship which was awarded by UF and then a tuition loan through the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb). The board also gives student loans for upkeep.
Students who apply for placement in private universities qualify for student loans, but not for upkeep after the State stopped sponsoring learners who study in private universities.
In a letter dated January 15 2024 Mr Ogamba wrote to Dr Wahome instructing the KUCCPS not to place government-sponsored students in private universities. He referenced a directive by President William Ruto when he spoke at the fifth graduation ceremony of Scotts Christian University.
The programme to place government-sponsored students in private universities was started in 2016. The government still owes private universities over Sh45 billion in unremitted tuition fees for the students it placed in private institutions, some of whom have already graduated.
“This is a reiteration of the policy adopted following the roll-out of the student-centred funding model that delinked placement from funding, and under which students placed to public universities are eligible for both scholarships and loans,” reads the letter by Mr Ogamba.
Last year, President Ruto appointed a committee to review the funding model. Sources within government told Nation that although Mr Ogamba submitted the committee’s to the President, he cannot act on it because of the pending court case.
The outlawed model appears to have pushed more students to ditch public universities and enrol in private universities as shown by the placement data released by the KUCCPS over the two years it was in operation.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.