KUCCPS CEO Signals Possible End of C+ University Entry Cut-Off Under CBC Transition

The Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), Agnes Wahome, has indicated that Kenya may soon move away from the long-standing Grade C+ minimum requirement for university admission, terming it unsustainable under the country’s evolving education framework.

Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) CEO Agnes Wahome appearing before the Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance of the National Assembly on June 4, 2025

Speaking on Tuesday, January 27, Wahome explained that the current university entry grading system is likely to be phased out as Kenya completes the transition to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Her remarks came amid growing public concern following the release of the 2025 KCSE results, where a significant number of candidates failed to attain the C+ university qualification threshold.

According to Wahome, the education sector has placed excessive emphasis on academic grades and the number of students admitted to universities, while ignoring other viable career and learning pathways.

She noted that many learners who do not qualify for direct university admission often begin with certificate and diploma programmes before later progressing to degree courses — a pathway that receives little public recognition.

Wahome further observed that the former 8-4-4 education system contributed to the overemphasis on Grade C+, a trend she said will gradually decline as the country adopts the Competency-Based Education (CBE) approach. Under the new system, greater focus will be placed on practical skills, talents, creativity, and hands-on learning, rather than relying solely on examination scores.

However, Wahome clarified that the C+ university admission cut-off remains in force during the transition period. The full shift to the CBE framework is expected to take approximately two years, meaning the current policy will continue to apply until the process is complete.

Education CS Julius Ogamba and PS Julius Bitok, during the release of the 2025 KCSE results at the AIC Chebisaas High School in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, on January 9, 2025. Photo MOE

Education CS Dismisses Claims of Entry Grade Change

Meanwhile, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has refuted reports suggesting that the university admission cut-off grade has already been revised.

In a public statement, Ogamba urged Kenyans to ignore the misinformation, reaffirming that the minimum university entry requirement remains Grade C+ and above.

“The government has not changed the university admission policy. The cut-off point remains C+ and above,” Ogamba stated.