“You Came Into This World Alone” – KUCCPS Boss Has a Blunt Message for 2025 KCSE Candidates
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has raised an alarm over the external pressures hampering 2025 KCSE candidates as they navigate the critical process of course selection. KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Agnes Wahome identified parental expectations and peer influence as the primary obstacles preventing students from making effective, independent career choices.
Speaking during a webinar focused on the 2026 application cycle, Dr. Wahome noted that many students are being nudged or forced by parents into traditional “prestige” careers that may not align with the student’s actual interests or strengths.
“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,” Dr. Wahome said.
She cautioned that dismissing modern vocational paths in favor of outdated career templates often results in student frustration and academic underperformance. Dr. Wahome also addressed the social dynamics of high school, advising students against the common pitfall of selecting courses simply to stay close to their friends.
“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 advised.
The KUCCPS chief executive also warned students against prioritizing the “name brand” of a university over the quality and suitability of the specific program. She pointed out that candidates often overlook national polytechnics and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, even when those centers offer superior practical training for their chosen fields.
“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.
Dr. Wahome emphasized that a successful career path must balance a student’s natural talents with actual job market demands. She urged learners to look beyond traditional roles and consider the growing viability of sectors like design, performing arts, and sports.
To illustrate the importance of self-assessment, she used the teaching profession as a primary example. She advised aspiring educators to first look inward to see if they possess the necessary patience and communication skills, and then look at their academic data to ensure they meet the rigorous subject-specific requirements.
“What are your two strongest subjects? Did you perform well in them? The minimum requirement is a C+ in both teaching subjects,” Dr Wahome explained.
She further advised students to carefully review course cut-off points before making their final selections. She urged them to assess their academic standing against previous years’ benchmarks to guide their decisions.
“Check the cut-off points for previous years and compare them with your cluster points to determine your chances. This will help you make an informed decision,” she added.
The placement service opened its portal for the 2026/2027 academic year on April 7 and will keep it active until May 6, 2026. The window gives thousands of students the chance to apply for programmes in universities, colleges, and technical institutions across the country.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba noted that candidates can log in at any time to select and revise their preferred courses before the deadline.
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