Private University Placements Double as Student Choice Shifts
A significant increase in student applications to private universities has been recorded by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), with a total of 18,557 applicants this year, almost doubling last year’s numbers.
Last year, 9,622 students were placed in private universities. According to KUCCPS data released on Tuesday, June 11, private universities had a cumulative declared capacity of 57,322 vacancies, achieving a 32 percent placement rate.
The higher education funding model introduced last year allows students to choose between public and private universities.
Placement is determined by choice and merit, but those opting for private universities do not qualify for government scholarships and must apply for student loans instead.
In the private universities category, Mount Kenya University received the highest number of students (3,226) against a declared capacity of 6,103.
Besides KUCCPS placements, private universities also admit students directly.
The top five universities in terms of student placement include:
- Mount Kenya University – 3,226 students (capacity: 6,103)
- KCA University – 2,074 students (capacity: 5,911)
- Zetech University – 1,703 students (capacity: 4,140)
- Kabarak University – 1,653 students (capacity: 3,430)
- Catholic University of East Africa – 1,218 students
Other universities with high declared capacities but not in the top five for placement numbers include Daystar University (3,746) and St. Paul’s University (3,450).
Despite some universities having high declared capacities, they attracted low numbers of applicants.
For instance, the International Leadership University declared a capacity of 300 students but only one student was placed there.
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The Management University of Africa, with a capacity of 750, was allocated just 12 students.
Universities with similarly low placement numbers include Pan Africa Christian University (14 students), Marist International University College (28 students), and Islamic University of Kenya (48 students).
Private University Placements Double as Student Choice Shifts
