Kuccps reorganise the course qualification criteria
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu ordered the review of entry cut-off points after the release of the 2023 KCSE results.
He said the review of the cut-off and cluster points was part of the wider examination administration reforms the government has put in place to ensure more students get learning and training opportunities in a flexible way.
It is also aimed at opening various courses and professions that had been limited for specific subject combinations and certain score levels.
The change in the admission cut-off regime is informed by the reformed marking and grading system applied in the 2023 KCSE exam and the reduction of the compulsory subjects examined.
These changes are a result of implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party for Education Reform (PWPER).
The party had recommended that KCSE grading regime change to just two mandatory subjects to determine learners final scores to ensure more students attain the pass mark and qualify for different courses at tertiary level.
The team also recommended a review of the cluster points and university funding model.
During the release of the KCSE exam results, Machogu directed KUCCPS to reorganise the course qualification criteria to reflect the new grading policy.
He urged then to align their 15 cluster points and entry requirements with the new reforms to avoid disadvantaging the candidates.
The current university cut-off grade is C (plus) and above.
CS Machogu also ordered KUCCPS to mount a robust career awareness campaign among the 2023 KCSE candidates to ensure all students understand the new TVET and universities entry requirements under the Higher Education Funding model.
The placement agency has also been directed to roll out clear guidelines to enable the students joining TVETs to apply for courses ahead of the March 2024 admissions.
Sources at the placement agency told the Star that a review of the grades was inevitable. They said the review will see change of admission requirements for various courses as exam candidates now have a wider array of subject choices.
Machogu said the new reform measure will allow a larger number of students to pursue courses of their choice in universities and colleges than when the grading was more restrictive.
Kuccps reorganise the course qualification criteria
