Utalii College to Admit Students via KUCCPS in First-Ever Move

Form Four leavers who wish to study hospitality and tourism will get more training opportunities accruing from the recent partnership established between the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and Kenya Utalii College.

The collaboration represents a major policy change intended to ensure a smooth incorporation of specialist institutions into the national student placement system.

For the very first time in the history of the institution, the Kenya Utalii College will admit students through the KUCCPS placement, in line with the programs offered in the central admissions system employed by the government.

The move is expected to enhance transparency, equity and nationwide reach in access to hospitality and tourism education, sectors considered critical to Kenya’s economic growth.

According to the joint media release, the partnership is scheduled to be rolled out ahead of the 2026 application cycle for placement to universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, allowing eligible applicants to select Utalii College through the KUCCPS platform.

Integration into the National Placement System

Speaking during a meeting in Nairobi, KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Dr Agnes Mercy Wahome described the initiative as transformative, noting that the placement system guarantees fairness and inclusivity.

“There is equity in the process, ensuring that institutions achieve the face of Kenya,” Dr Wahome said, emphasizing the role of KUCCPS in ensuring merit-based access to higher education and training opportunities.

She added that by joining KUCCPS, Kenya Utalii College will be able to attract students from all regions of the country, reinforcing the government’s commitment to equal opportunity in education and skills development.

Also Read: KUCCPS Courses Where Physics Is Compulsory

Expanding Access and Regional Footprint

Kenya Utalii College Principal Mr Mark Rachuonyo Ogendi said the collaboration will significantly enhance the institution’s visibility and reach.

He noted that working with KUCCPS will enable the college to tap into a national pool of students as it pursues expansion into regions such as Kisumu, Kilifi and Narok counties.

“With KUCCPS’ coordination, the college also looked forward to an opportunity to engage with other colleges offering tourism and hospitality programmes to harmonise training standards,” Mr Ogendi said.

He added that the partnership will also prioritise labour market research, career pathways and grassroots mobilisation to encourage uptake of available training opportunities.

Also Read: KUCCPS Courses Where Chemistry is Compulsory

Centre of Excellence in Hospitality Training

Kenya Utalii College, an affiliate member of UN Tourism, is recognised as a Centre of Excellence with over five decades of experience in hospitality and tourism training.

The institution has had a history of competence-based training for highly skilled and globally marketable graduates.

Its graduates were also absorbed into various leading tourism and hospitality institutions both within the country and abroad, a fact that can be attributed to its strong industry linkages and practical training model.

The decision by Utalii College comes after other specialized institutions, such as the Kenya School of Law and the Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas, have been absorbed into the KUCCPS placement system in recent times.

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