KUCCPS Invites Students to National Career Conference Ahead of University Placement

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has encouraged students seeking placement in universities and colleges to participate in the 1st National Career Conference and Exhibition 2026, where education and industry experts will provide career guidance ahead of the official opening of the national placement process after the completion of examinations.

According to KUCCPS, the three-day event will take place from January 27 to January 29, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The forum is expected to bring together students, parents, universities, colleges, and key stakeholders within the education sector.

The placement agency stated that the primary objective of the conference is to support learners in making informed academic and career decisions by creating a centralized platform where they can directly interact with higher learning institutions and industry players.

Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service CEO Agnes Wahome during a past event

KUCCPS further revealed that over 100 participating institutions, including public and private universities, TVET institutions, professional organizations, and private sector partners, will showcase available academic and training opportunities during the exhibition.

Participants will also benefit from expert-led career guidance sessions, mentorship engagements with industry professionals, and discussions focused on emerging labor market trends and employability skills.

In addition, KUCCPS noted that the event will host policy dialogue forums involving government representatives and education stakeholders aimed at aligning training programs with national development priorities.

The agency also announced that on-site support clinics will be available throughout the conference to help students with placement applications and institutional transition processes. This initiative positions KUCCPS as a long-term career development partner rather than solely a student placement body.

Meanwhile, students interested in pursuing hospitality and tourism training at Kenya Utalii College will, for the first time, be able to access the institution through the KUCCPS placement platform following a new partnership between the two organizations.

Speaking after a consultative meeting with Kenya Utalii College management on Wednesday, January 20, KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome confirmed that the college’s programs will be uploaded to the KUCCPS portal before the launch of the 2026 university and TVET application cycle.

Wahome explained that the integration is expected to expand access to hospitality and tourism education while increasing Kenya Utalii College’s enrollment capacity.

To maximize nationwide participation, the partnership will also prioritize labor market research, career pathway development, and grassroots student mobilization initiatives.

These developments come as thousands of candidates who sat for the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations continue to await the official opening of the placement portal to apply for courses across various higher education institutions nationwide.