The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has clarified the delay in opening its portal for university course applications, citing concerns over funding issues after a court ruling declared the new funding model unconstitutional.
Court Ruling Causes Uncertainty
KUCCPS CEO Agnes Wahome explained on Friday, February 21, that the delay is necessary to avoid a financial crisis in higher education institutions following the return to the old funding model. This situation arose after a High Court ruling on December 20, 2024, which declared the new university funding model illegal and unconstitutional.
According to Wahome, the ruling, delivered by Justice Chacha Mwita, did not provide clear guidance on how to manage students under the previous funding structure, including those already enrolled in various programs.
“The judgment that was delivered by Honorable Justice Chacha Mwita did not give a direction on how to treat even the students that we had placed in the two years and direction moving forward when he said it was unconstitutional,” Wahome stated.
KUCCPS Seeks Court’s Clarification
Due to the lack of clarity, KUCCPS has filed a case seeking a stay on the ruling and is waiting for the court’s decision. Wahome emphasized that the agency wants legal guidance before proceeding with student placements to ensure a smooth transition back to the old funding model.
“With that lack of clarity, we felt that we also go to court, and that’s why we filed and requested that the court grant stay the execution of the judgment that was given,” she said.
She added that KUCCPS is optimistic about a ruling next week, which will help determine the next steps, including when the application portal can be opened.
Applications for TVET and KMTC Programs Completed
Despite the delay in university placements, KUCCPS successfully completed applications for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The placement portal for these programs opened on January 24 and closed on February 14.
The decision on KUCCPS’ court appeal will play a crucial role in determining when students can apply for university courses and how funding for higher education will be managed moving forward.
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