The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has announced plans to introduce a new university placement framework for students under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
Speaking during the Sema na Spox: Bonga na Gava podcast, KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Agnes Wahome said the placement agency is working closely with universities and professional bodies to develop admission criteria tailored to the new education model.
“We are working with universities, and we are also working with professional bodies. One of our mandates is to come up with the criteria,” she said.
Dr. Wahome noted that KUCCPS is still awaiting clarity on the grading structure that will be adopted under CBE. Discussions are ongoing on whether learners will be assessed using the traditional A–E grading scale applied in the 8-4-4 system or the Competency-Based Education scale ranging from “Exceeding Expectations” (EE) to “Below Expectations” (BE).
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“We will wait to know whether we are having A to E or EE being the best grade and the last being Below Expectations,” she explained.
She further observed that, unlike the 8-4-4 system where students pursued a broad mix of arts and science subjects, CBE encourages learners to specialise in career pathways earlier. According to her, this shift is expected to ease competition for university and college placement.
“In terms of students doing pure sciences, for example Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Biology, not everyone will be taking those subjects. Those pursuing STEM pathways will account for about 60 per cent, which reduces overall competition,” said Dr. Wahome.
The KUCCPS boss added that the CBE model is also expected to strengthen career guidance by helping learners identify their professional interests at an earlier stage.
“Because career paths are identified earlier, students will no longer face the struggle of determining their next steps after graduation,” she said.
With the first cohort of CBE learners expected to join universities in 2029, pressure is mounting on education stakeholders to establish a clear and effective admission framework within the next four years.
By Frank Mugwe
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