CS Ogamba refutes reports ministry will reintroduce C+ cut-off point for varsity admission

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has dismissed reports in a section of the media that the government plans to reintroduce cut-off points for university admission.

The reports had indicated that the move will lock out 99,338 candidates from the 2025 intake slated for September as one way of addressing the funding crisis.

In a statement to the press, Ogamba clarified that the minimum admission requirement to university, which will apply to the 2024 KCSE cohort, is the Mean Grade of C+ (plus).

“Therefore, all the 246,391 students who attained the Mean Grade of C+ (plus) and above qualify for university admission,” he continued.

According to the CS, contrary to the media reports, it will not cost Ksh 100 billion to fund the university education of the 2024 KCSE cohort.

“The Ministry’s projection is that if all the 246,391 candidates join university, Ksh 25.85 Billion will be required to fund their education every year. The projection of Ksh 100 billion will be the total cost over a four-year period,” Ogamba said.

According to the ministry, the government’s funding model is not solely based on the number of students who achieve a C+ and above as it considers a range of factors, including student need, available resources, and institutional capacities, to ensure fairness and sustainability in higher education financing.

“It is important to clarify that all eligible students who meet the minimum university entry requirements will have access to government support through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund, based on the established criteria. No qualified student will be denied financial support due to misrepresented funding policies.”

The ministry urged media houses to uphold accuracy in reporting by verifying information with the relevant authorities before publication, saying it remains committed to working with stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the university funding model and reaffirm our dedication to accessible and equitable higher education for all.

Ogamba added that in keeping with the annual placement calendar, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) will open the placement portal for the September, 2025 university intake in March, 2025.

Already, he said, the KUCCPS portal has been open since 24th January, 2025, for the placement of applicants to the Kenya Medical Training College, Teacher Training Colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, for the March and May, 2025 intakes.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to providing quality and relevant education and training through a system that is inclusive, accessible and equitable, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders in that regard,” Ogamba assured.