The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has revealed that many students are struggling to make independent career choices as external force from parents and peers continues to shape their decisions during the university placement process.
According to the placement body, the trend is particularly affecting how 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates select courses, with many failing to align their choices with their personal interests and abilities.
Speaking during a KUCCPS webinar on the 2026 university and college application, KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Agnes Wahome said a growing number of students are being pushed by parents into career paths they have little interest in, mainly because of perceptions of prestige or parental aspirations.
“Parents should guide their children, but ultimately allow them to choose careers based on their ability, talent and interests. The world today offers many emerging opportunities in fields such as performing arts, sports and design, unlike in the past when options were largely limited to health and teaching,” Wahome said.
She warned that such pressure often leads to dissatisfaction and poor performance once students join higher learning institutions, urging parents to adopt a more open-minded approach when guiding career decisions.
She also pointed to peer influence as another major factor shaping students’ choices, noting that many learners tend to follow their friends rather than make independent decisions.
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“You came into this world alone, and you will leave alone. I understand how close friendships can be in high school, but it is time for each of you to choose your own path,” she said.
She further cautioned students against selecting institutions based on prestige instead of programme suitability, saying many candidates insist on joining specific universities even when their preferred courses are better offered in national polytechnics or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
“Choose a programme based on your interest, not an institution for prestige. Be clear about the course you want to pursue before selecting where to study,” she said.
Wahome emphasised that career decisions should balance a learner’s abilities, talents and evolving labour market opportunities, encouraging students to explore diverse fields such as sports, performing arts, and design, which are increasingly offering viable career paths.
Using teaching as an example, she explained that students must first assess whether they genuinely have an interest in the profession, including enjoying interaction with others and possessing the patience and communication skills required.
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“What are your two strongest subjects? Did you perform well in them? The minimum requirement is a C+ in both teaching subjects,” Wahome said.
She added that students who attain a mean grade of C+ in KCSE qualify to pursue teaching at either degree or diploma level.
“There are diploma teacher education courses available. You can choose to join a university or institutions such as Kibabii, Kagumo or Lugari Teachers Training Colleges, depending on where your preferred subjects are offered,” she said.
She further urged candidates to carefully examine cut-off points before making their final selections. According to Wahome, this will help them make informed decisions.
The KUCCPS portal for the 2026/2027 academic year officially opened on April 7 and will close on May 6, 2026, allowing thousands of students to apply and revise course choices for universities, colleges and technical institutions.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the portal will remain open throughout the application period, enabling candidates to adjust their selections where necessary.
In 2025, a total of 993,226 candidates sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, with 270,715 qualifying for university admission.
By Juma Ndigo
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