Fact Check: Did KUCCPS Eliminate C+ for University Admission?
Updated Cut-Off Points for Degree Programs in Kenya
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has updated the cut-off points for various degree programs on its official portal. These updates reflect a slight increase in most courses, indicating a shift in the criteria used for university admissions.
KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome addressed this change during an appearance on NTV on February 2. She explained that the placement process is based on an analysis of previous years’ outcomes, including exam performance and how course slots were filled. Wahome emphasized that these patterns help determine cut-off points, which are expected to rise due to a significant increase in the number of students achieving the minimum university entry grade in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
Clarifying Misconceptions About the Minimum Entry Grade
There have been claims circulating on social media suggesting that a C+ grade will no longer qualify students for university admission. One such post from an X user, @MaragiaWakili, stated: “KUCCPS Portal Updated With New Degree Cut-Off Points Ahead of 2026 Application. C+ Will No Longer Qualify Someone for University,” sparking widespread discussion about university entry requirements.
However, these claims are not accurate. A fact check by The Kenya Times revealed that KUCCPS only updated its portal to categorize all courses into 20 clusters and display the cut-off points used in 2024. These cut-off points represent the cluster score of the applicant who secured the last available vacancy in a course during the previous placement cycle. They do not reflect the actual KCSE grade a student achieved.
Students who attained Mean Grades of C+ and above in the KCSE examination are still eligible to apply for degree programs. Additionally, those who qualified for university admission and were recently placed in diploma programs can also apply for degree programs.
The Future of University Entry Criteria
This update comes after KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome announced in January that the long-standing Grade C+ cut-off mark for university admission may soon be scrapped as Kenya transitions fully to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Wahome highlighted that relying on the minimum university entry grade is becoming unsustainable, especially after many candidates failed to attain the required Grade C+ in the 2025 KCSE. She argued that the country has placed disproportionate emphasis on examination grades, particularly in determining who gets into university, while overlooking alternative education pathways that can lead to successful careers.
Under the new system, greater emphasis will be placed on practical skills, talents, and hands-on abilities rather than examination scores alone. Wahome noted that many learners who miss out on direct university entry can still progress through certificate and diploma programs before eventually enrolling in degree courses—a pathway that often goes unrecognized in public discourse.
Revised Placement Criteria for Degree Courses
In addition to the updated cut-off points, KUCCPS has announced plans to roll out revised placement criteria to guide admission to degree courses. This marks a significant shift in how students will select and be placed in their preferred programs.
According to the placement body, the review process began last year and involved extensive consultations with universities, colleges, and other academic and professional bodies. KUCCPS noted that the new criteria will take effect only after final validation by stakeholders and formal approval by its board. Once approved, the system will be implemented during the 2026/2027 placement cycle.
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