Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dismissed reports suggesting that the government plans to raise the university entry grade, reaffirming that the minimum requirement remains a C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
No Change in University Entry Requirements
In a statement on February 27, Ogamba termed recent media reports on university admissions and funding as misleading. He assured that all 246,391 students who scored C+ and above in the 2024 KCSE exams qualify for university admission.
“The Government has not re-introduced cut-off points for university admission. The minimum requirement remains a Mean Grade of C+, and all students who attained this grade are eligible for university placement,” Ogamba clarified.
Government’s Financial Commitment
The CS also addressed concerns about university funding, particularly claims that the government would need Ksh100 billion to finance the 2024 KCSE cohort. He clarified that the actual annual funding requirement stands at Ksh25.85 billion, with the Ksh100 billion projection covering a four-year period.
“We are committed to ensuring quality and accessible education for all, and we will continue working with stakeholders to achieve this,” he stated.
KUCCPS University Application Process
Ogamba further noted that the government is still consulting on when the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal will open for applications. The main issue, he said, is how to ensure adequate funding for all qualified students while balancing financial sustainability.
“Can we afford to provide full loans and scholarships to all first-year students while still supporting continuing students? Should we determine an optimal number the government can sponsor and allow others to seek alternative funding?” he questioned.
Funding Challenges and Way Forward
The CS urged higher education stakeholders to explore alternative funding options amid financial constraints. He acknowledged the record number of university qualifiers and the economic challenges affecting funding.
His remarks come after High Court Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that the current government funding model for universities is unconstitutional, raising further concerns about sustainability.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing discussions on university funding and admissions, the government is expected to announce further measures to balance accessibility and financial feasibility in higher education.
