Based on the results announced by Education Cabinet Secretary George Magoha on Saturday, April 23, only 145,145 candidates who sat for the 2021 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam got university admission points.
Candidates scored C+ in the transition test, with about 700,000 students missing out on marks. However, students securing D and above have a second chance in higher education with certificate and diploma courses.
Through the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program, students who scored C and C minus qualify for enrollment for diploma courses at any of 31 institutions across the country.
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On the other hand, 495,686 candidates who have scored D+ and below can sign up for the certificate program – Craft Certificate Course for those with D and above and Artisan Certificate for those who have scored D+ and below.
“The number of candidates with minimum TVET Diploma course qualification in Grade C- and above in 2021 was 325,896 (39.27%). Hence, we need to invest more in TVET institutes, where major part of our KCSE exam graduates will study,” said Professor Magoha while announcing the KCSE 2021 results.
Notably, students scoring below C+ can also apply for college and TVET institute placements under Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Students getting selected in colleges and tertiary institutions are eligible for government sponsorship through Higher Education Loan Board (HELB).
Prior to placements in universities, which are based on cluster points per subject, candidates can turn their fortunes in their favor by enrolling for bridging courses in the subjects required to join the particular course.
The education system in the country allows those students to become degree holders who score as low as D minus and even proceed to the level of Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Once a student completes their certificate education, they are eligible to enroll for diploma courses. In Kenya, Diploma courses take 2 to 3 years depending on the discipline and the institution.
Upon graduating with top-notch performance, students can enroll for a degree course in a university and pursue their dream course.
The Ministry of Education is all set to open the University Courses Application Process. Notably, the 2021 KCSE top candidate Jariel Obura who wants to pursue a degree in Medicine is expected to be called to Maseno University.
