KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome hinted that continued emphasis on the C+ cut-off is no longer sustainable under the new education framework, which prioritises skills, talents and competencies over exam scores alone.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, Wahome said the country has for years over-glorified university admission as the sole measure of academic success.
Her remarks come amid concern over the high number of candidates who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations but failed to attain the minimum C+ grade required for direct university entry under the 8-4-4 system.
Wahome noted that thousands of learners who miss the C+ threshold still have viable education pathways through certificate and diploma programmes, which can later lead to degree qualifications.
However, she observed that such success stories rarely receive public attention.
“As we move into CBE, this conversation about C+ needs to start dying off. We have overemphasised grades and measured success by how many students qualify for university, yet many take alternative paths and eventually make it to university,” she said.
Under the Competency-Based Education system, learning outcomes are expected to focus more on practical skills, creativity and hands-on training rather than examination performance.
Wahome explained that the shift away from grade fixation will be gradual and could take up to two years to fully take effect.
Meanwhile, KUCCPS also announced that the 2026 universities and colleges placement portal will open in March ahead of admissions scheduled for September.
Wahome said the portal will include guidance materials to help candidates make informed course choices.
She added that Huduma centres across the country will assist students with applications, assuring that all KCSE candidates including those who scored an E will be accommodated in various post-secondary institutions, as the placement system does not recognise failure.
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