90pc of KCSE students to miss varsity places

Almost 90 percent of those who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams last year will not join university, the Education CS has said.

“Of the total 606,394 who sat the 2017 KCSE, 69,151 of them scored a mean grade of C+, the minimum required to join university. A total of  62,851 have successfully been placed to degree courses of their choices,” CS Amina Mohamed said.

However, compared to the previous year, more female students qualified to join university at 41 percent of the total.

25,906 girls will be called to the universities of their choice alongside 36,945 boys, the CS added, saying that the increase in female  students is an indication that government efforts for gender parity are working.

“In the same spirit, the ministry will continue to ensure that candidates from minority and marginalised groups of all gender are not disadvantaged due to their unique environment and backgrounds,” Ms Mohamed said.

553 students who qualified for degree opted for diplomas and were placed in their desired choice program.

All successful applicants are to be informed of their course selection via a direct SMS. The CS said they can also search for their details through the placement service students portal.

A one-month window, from May 1-30, will be given for those who want to change their courses, Ms. Mohamed said.

The CS was speaking during the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development conference on Tuesday.