CS Ogamba Issues Fresh Directive to KUCCPS on Students Who Missed 2026 Placements

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to create a new application window for eligible students who missed the 2026 university and college placement process.

The directive, announced during the release of the 2026 university placement results, is aimed at ensuring that candidates who failed to submit their applications for various reasons are given another opportunity to secure placement into institutions of higher learning.

“We recognize that some eligible students did not apply for placements because they may have opted to seek alternative pathways to higher education and training. For example, they might have gone to the disciplined forces, TVET training, or self-sponsored programmes in universities and colleges that did not go through the KUCCPS portal. Still, some of them may have missed the opportunity to apply because of other circumstances,” Ogamba said.

KUCCPS to Track Unplaced Students

The CS said the Ministry of Education has also tasked KUCCPS with carrying out a study to establish the whereabouts of students who qualified for placement but did not submit applications during the concluded placement cycle.

Also Read:KUCCPS Sets Record Straight on Reducing Cut-Off Points for Universities

“I have requested KUCCPS to come up with a study program to track and find out where these students are. But if there are those who missed the opportunity to apply for any other reason, we are going to give them a chance to reapply, and we have directed the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service to immediately devise a mechanism to allow late applications for placements,” he said.

Ogamba urged all eligible candidates who failed to submit applications during the recently concluded placement cycle to take advantage of the upcoming window once KUCCPS announces the mechanism for late applications.

‘No Student Should Be Left Behind’

“In the same vein, I also call upon all the eligible candidates across the country who may not have applied and who may have missed the opportunity to apply during this concluded cycle to take advantage of this opportunity and apply. Our clarion call, ladies and gentlemen, is that no student should be left behind,” he said.

The Education CS also announced changes to the university transfer process, noting that students who have already secured placements but wish to pursue their preferred courses or institutions will have more time to request transfers.

“As part of career alignment, I know that some students who have been placed today may wish to transfer from one university to another. In order to allow adequate time and opportunity for such transfers this year, we will be extending the transfer window from the period that is normal of two weeks to one month,” he said.

Also Read:KUCCPS CEO Explains How Students Were Selected for Bachelor of Medicine in the 2026 Placement

Universities Told to Prepare for Admissions

Ogamba directed universities and colleges that have received placed students to immediately begin preparations for admissions and issue joining instructions without delay.

“Ladies and gentlemen, universities and colleges to which students have been placed are now expected to immediately embark on preparations for admission and communicate appropriate joining instructions,” he said.

He further announced that the Higher Education Financing portal is now open for first-time applicants seeking government funding for their studies.

“Following the conclusion of the placement process, the higher education financing portal is now open for applications by first-time applicants. All placed students interested in securing funding are therefore advised to apply as soon as possible,” he said.

The financing applications can be submitted through the Higher Education Fund portals at hef.co.ke and helb.co.ke, where eligible students can apply for scholarships and loans to support their university and college education.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

HELB announces its first-time application portal will open soon and urges students to prepare key documents early to avoid last-minute rush and delays. PHOTO/ HELB