The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has thrown a lifeline to thousands of students, releasing a definitive list of 27 marketable courses tailored specifically for those who scored a Grade C and below.

For years, the Grade C bracket has been viewed as a "limbo" zone—missed university entry, but too good to waste. KUCCPS CEO Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome has shattered this myth, unveiling a portfolio of diploma and certificate programs that are not just academic safety nets, but direct pathways to employment. The move is a major boost for learners who felt academically stranded, proving that the road to success does not always run through a university degree.

The Priority Areas

The listed courses focus heavily on technical skills, healthcare, and education—sectors where demand for hands-on professionals is stripping supply. By prioritizing these fields, the government aims to solve the skills gap crisis while reducing youth unemployment.

• Health Sciences: Diploma in Clinical Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmaceutical Technology remain top-tier choices with guaranteed self-employment potential.
• Technical & TVET: Courses in Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, and Quantity Surveying are heavily featured, aligning with the affordable housing agenda.
• Education: Diploma in Primary Teacher Education (DPTE) continues to be a safe bet for absorption by the TSC.
• Hospitality: With tourism rebounding, courses in Catering and Accommodation management are back in high demand.

A Shift in Mindset

"We must stop obsessing over degrees," Dr. Wahome urged. "A diploma in a marketable skill is worth infinitely more than a degree in a saturated field." The 27 courses are designed to make students "market-ready" in two to three years, as opposed to the four-year university cycle.

Students are urged to log into the KUCCPS portal immediately to review the full list and align their choices with their career dreams. The message is clear: Your grade does not define your future; your skill set does.