The University Cut off Points to be Lowered for 2023 Candidates
The University Cut off Points to be Lowered for 2023 Candidates. With the release of the 2023 KCSE examination results, students aspiring for admission to various universities are eagerly awaiting changes in the entry cut-off points following an order by Education CS Ezekiel Machogu. The move is part of wider exams administration reforms aimed at flexibly providing more learning and training opportunities. The cut-off and cluster point review seeks to open up courses and professions that were previously restricted to specific subject combinations and score levels.
The adjustment of cut-off points for admission is in response to the reformed marking system implemented for the 2023 KCSE examinations, which reduced the compulsory subjects from five to two – mathematics and any language (English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language). These subjects are now ranked alongside the top five ranked subjects. The changes reflect the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on Education Reform (PWPER), led by Prof. Raphael Munavu and which is advocating for a simplified assessment regime that would allow more students to meet the grades for tertiary level courses.
CS Machogu has directed the Kenya University and College Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) to align the course qualification criteria with the new grading policy to avoid disadvantaging candidates. Emphasis is placed on compulsory literacy (English or Kiswahili) and numeracy (mathematics) for careers in TVET institutions, universities and colleges. The university’s current cut-off grade is C (plus) and above, and 201,133 students achieved C (plus) and above in the 2023 examinations.
KUCCPS is also tasked with conducting a comprehensive career awareness campaign among KCSE 2023 candidates to ensure understanding of the new TVET and university entry requirements under the higher education funding model. Clear guidelines for TVET applications are expected before admission in March 2024.
The release of the results indicates changes to the assessment area, allowing more students to take their preferred courses. Fund allocations were also announced for free primary education, lower secondary schools and full day secondary schools to support educational infrastructure and access.
In line with the report of the President’s Task Force on Education Reforms, the Department of Education is rationalizing the number of learning areas and curriculum designs to address content overload and overlap in basic education. This includes instructions for schools hosting CBC students to implement the changes starting on the first day of the first term, with ongoing efforts to revise textbooks in line with the streamlined proposals.