KUCCPS Explains How Students with D and C Grades Can Gain University Admission

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) CEO, Dr. Agnes Wahome, has explained how students who score grades D and C in the KCSE can still secure admission to universities.

Speaking in a Spice FM interview on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Dr. Wahome stressed that the focus on grades has been overemphasised and that alternative routes allow many students to pursue higher education.

“You know, this is a conversation that, in terms of measuring performance based on those who go to university, needs to start dying off as we transition to CBC, because I think we have overemphasized the grades and measuring success using the number of people who get to university,” said Dr. Wahome.

KUCCPS CEO Explains How Students With Below a C+ Can End Up in Universities

She explained that students who don’t manage to get a grade of C+ or above can begin with a certificate, depending on their scores, and later transition to university after completing a diploma.

“Those who don’t get a C+ and take another pathway in life, starting with a certificate or diploma, can still end up in university, but nobody talks about them,” she added.

Dr. Wahome noted that the current narrative overly glorifies grades C+ and above, a perception she expects will change as competency-based education (CBC) gains traction.

Also Read: KUCCPS Admission Process: Step by Step Guide And Required Documents

University and College Placement Portal to be Opened on March

At the same time, she highlighted that KUCCPS has expanded placement options even for students scoring as low as grade E, emphasizing the need for a centralized education data system.

“Once we have an integrated system covering primary schools, TVETs, universities, and other institutions, we will be able to account for every student’s pathway,” she explained.

According to Dr. Wahome, KUCCPS can currently track about 85% of students with C+ and above, including those in public and private universities, TVETs, and national polytechnics. The authority aims to eventually track all students, ensuring that no learner is left unaccounted for in the country’s education system.

Also Read: KUCCPS Courses Where English Is Not Compulsory

Her remarks come as KCSE 2025 candidates prepare to select different career pathways based on their exam results.

On Monday, January 26, 2026, the CEO announced that the university and college placement portal will open in March.

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Students during a past KCSE exam. PHOTO/UGC.