KUCCPS Kicks Off 2026 Placement Cycle

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has officially commenced preparations for the placement of students who sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2025, alongside other eligible candidates. In a directive issued on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, KUCCPS called upon all universities and colleges to submit details of their academic programmes and student capacities.

Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome, the Chief Executive Officer of KUCCPS, communicated this crucial instruction in a circular dated October 6, 2025, addressed to Vice-Chancellors and Principals of University Colleges. The submission of programmes and capacities must be done online through the KUCCPS placement system.

Accreditation is Key for Programme Declaration

A central requirement highlighted by Dr. Wahome is that all declared programmes must be currently offered by the respective institutions and hold due accreditation. For university programmes, accreditation must be from the Commission for University Education (CUE), while Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes require accreditation from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA).

The CUE is a statutory body established under the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, mandated to regulate and assure quality in university education in Kenya, including the accreditation of academic programmes. Similarly, TVETA, established under the TVET Act CAP 210A, is responsible for regulating and coordinating technical and vocational training through licensing, registration, and accreditation of programmes, institutions, and trainers.

Broad Scope of Institutions Included

The directive extends beyond traditional universities to encompass a wide range of higher education institutions. Principals of National Polytechnics, Technical and Vocational Colleges, Technical Training Institutes, Institutes of Technology, and Secondary Teacher Training Colleges have also received similar requests to provide details of their approved programmes.

Notably, the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), a significant institution for healthcare professional training, has been asked to submit its accredited courses and capacities for publication on the KUCCPS online placement system. The Kenya School of Law has also been included, following the successful placement of students into its Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) programme in 2025, which was filled to capacity after its inaugural listing on the KUCCPS system.

Timeline and Implications for Students

The declaration of programmes and capacities by institutions is a critical initial phase in the annual placement process. This information forms the foundation for the online system that students will use to apply for courses. The submission window for institutions runs from Monday, October 6, 2025, to Friday, October 31, 2025. Meeting this deadline is essential to prevent delays in the subsequent student application and placement stages.

KUCCPS plays a vital role in coordinating admissions to government-sponsored programmes in universities and colleges, guided by principles of merit, equity, and applicant preferences. The placement process considers KCSE performance, course choices, and available slots in each programme. The opening of the student application portal for the September 2025 university intake is typically in March of the placement year.

Evidence/Data Box

• Declaration Period: October 6 to October 31, 2025, for institutions to submit programmes and capacities.
• Accreditation Bodies: Commission for University Education (CUE) for university programmes and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) for TVET programmes.
• KUCCPS CEO: Dr. Agnes Mercy Wahome, appointed February 2021.
• KCSE 2025 Exams: Expected to begin on November 3 and conclude on November 21, 2025.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

While the institutional declaration phase is underway, specific dates for the opening of the student application portal for the 2026 placement cycle are yet to be officially announced by KUCCPS. Students and parents are advised to closely monitor official KUCCPS channels for these critical timelines. The process of determining cut-off points and the competitiveness of various courses will largely depend on the capacities declared by institutions.

What to Watch

Stakeholders should watch for the official announcement of the student application window and any updates regarding career guidance resources from KUCCPS. The accuracy and timeliness of institutional submissions will directly impact the efficiency of the upcoming placement cycle. The government's ongoing commitment to diversified career pathways, including TVET institutions, will continue to shape placement opportunities.