KUCCPS Best Courses for KSCE Students With D and E Grades
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Scoring a D or E grade in KCSE does not mark the end of one’s academic or career journey.
Through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), students with these grades can still access a wide range of Certificate (Craft) and Artisan (Level 4) courses offered in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across the country.
These courses are skills-based, practical, and designed to prepare learners for employment, self-employment, or further progression to higher levels of training, such as diplomas.
Fields such as construction, electrical and mechanical trades, business support, hospitality, agriculture, and ICT provide viable pathways for students to build sustainable careers despite low KCSE grades.
This article highlights some of the best KUCCPS-approved certificate and artisan courses available to candidates with D and E grades, along with their general entry requirements.
KUCCPS Minimum Entry Requirements (TVET)
According to KUCCPS:
- Craft Certificate (Certificate / Level 5): Minimum D (plain) qualifies you for certificate courses.
- Artisan Certificate (Level 4): Minimum E (or D- and below) qualify for artisan/vocational courses.
- Students with grades below D can still apply for Artisan courses only.
- Recommended Certificate & Artisan Courses for D & E Grades (KUCCPS)
Also Read:Best KUCCPS Courses for Students With C and C- in KCSE
Certificate (Craft) Courses – (for D plain and above)
These give you foundational job skills and often lead to employment or self-employment.
- Business & Administration
- Certificate in Storekeeping
- Certificate in Office Administration
- Certificate in Supply Chain / Office Assistance
- Certificate in Secretarial Studies
- Technical & Trades
- Certificate in Electrical Installation
- Certificate in Plumbing
- Certificate in Welding & Fabrication
- Certificate in Motor Vehicle Mechanics
- Certificate in ICT (Information Communication Technology)
- Construction
- Certificate in Building Technology
- Certificate in Masonry / General Fitting
- Creative & Service
- Certificate in Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy
These are widely offered and have good demand in Kenya’s job market.
Artisan (Level 4) Courses – (for E and D- and below)
These are hands-on, skills-oriented programmes that prepare you for entry-level jobs and entrepreneurial work.
1. Building & Construction
- Artisan in Building Technology
- Artisan in Building Construction Technology
- Artisan in Masonry
- Carpenter & Joinery artisan
- Electrical & Mechanical
- Artisan in Electrical Installation
- Automotive / Motor Vehicle Mechanics artisan
- Artisan in Plumbing
- Artisan in Welding & Fabrication
2. Business & Hospitality
- Artisan in Store Keeping
- Artisan in Office Assistance
- Artisan in Secretarial
- Artisan in Catering and Accommodation
- Artisan in Food & Beverage Production
- IT & Social Services
- Artisan in ICT / Computer Basics
- Artisan in Social Work
3. Agriculture
- Artisan in General Agriculture
- Artisan in Agribusiness / Modern Methods of Agriculture
These courses are geared toward employment, starting your own workshop, or upgrading skills later.
Also Read: KUCCPS-Approved KMTC Courses for Students Who Scored C to D+ Available in 2026
Why These Courses Are Good Options
- Quick entry into training after KCSE with D/E grades.
- Hands-on skills that make you job-ready fast.
- Opportunities for self-employment (e.g., electrician, plumber, tailor).
- Some certificate courses can lead to diplomas later if you upgrade.
Tips When Choosing
Think about fields with strong demand like trades (construction, electrical, plumbing), ICT basics, and business courses.
Look for institutions with KNEC/NITA accreditation so your certificate is recognized.
Consider courses that offer entrepreneurial skills (e.g., beauty therapy, mechanics)
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CS Education Julius Migos during KCSE briefing at the Eldoret State Lodge
Image/Migos/X