Explaining drop in university applications 

By , July 9, 2025

As the university placement service KUCCPS opened its portal for 2024 university applications, an alarming trend emerged: a significant number of eligible KCSE candidates are opting out of university placement.

Despite more than 244,000 students attaining the minimum university entry grade of C+ and above, over 42,000 have not applied for placement into degree programmes. 

This development is particularly surprising, given that the 2024 KCSE results showed improved performance compared with recent years.

Traditionally, university admission in Kenya was a milestone celebrated by families and communities, seen as a gateway to a better future.

However, the sharp decline in applications signals a shift in how young people view the value of higher education. 

In the past, university admission was highly competitive. KUCCPS’ predecessor managed placements, initially prioritising top performers due to limited capacity.

Over time, with more universities established, access widened, and students with a C+ were assured of consideration.

Yet, despite this broader access, university applications have steadily dropped – from over 90 per cent in 2019 to just under 70 per cent in 2023.

The 2024 cycle is even more concerning, with only 201,695 of the 244,463 qualified students applying – about 17 per cent opting out. 

What’s puzzling is that KUCCPS has confirmed the availability of over a million slots across degree, diploma, and certificate programmes. The challenge, therefore, is not limited capacity but dwindling interest. 

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Ogamba expressed concern during the release of the 2024 placement report, saying it was “worrying”. 

Several factors are driving this shift. Chief among them is the rising cost of university education. Even with a 40 per cent reduction in tuition under the new funding model, the overall cost – including accommodation, food, and transport – remains a heavy burden for many families.

Delays in disbursing HELB loans only worsen the situation, leaving students stranded or forced to drop out. 

Another concern is the growing disconnect between degrees and employment.

With a saturated job market and rising youth unemployment, many graduates find themselves jobless or underemployed, particularly in fields like arts, education, and humanities, where demand in the job market is low.  

In contrast, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions are gaining popularity.

With a focus on hands-on skills in areas like ICT, hospitality, and engineering, TVET programmes offer a more direct path to employment.  

Some students are also exploring alternative paths such as entrepreneurship, casual jobs, or travel abroad for work or study.

Others prefer to work in family businesses or enter the informal sector, prioritising income over further education.  

This growing reluctance to pursue a university education underscores a shifting mindset.

Students are now more pragmatic, seeking pathways that promise immediate value, job readiness, and financial sustainability.

The higher education sector faces a deeper crisis of relevance and public trust. 

The writer is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Eldoret, a higher education Expert, and a quality assurance Consultant

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