Over 310,000 Students Placed in 2024 Intake as Nursing, Teaching Courses Dominate
Following revised entry requirements by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, teacher training has attracted new interest.
The Ministry of Education has completed the placement of 310,502 students into universities, colleges, and technical institutions — and nursing has emerged as the top choice. Photo/Eastleigh Voice.
By Gidion Ngenoh
The Ministry of Education has completed the placement of 310,502 students into universities, colleges, and technical institutions — and nursing has emerged as the top choice.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced on Tuesday that the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) successfully placed 194,372 students who scored C+ and above in the 2024 KCSE into degree programmes.
“This is a huge step in ensuring our students access quality training across all sectors,” Ogamba said.Nursing Sees Unprecedented DemandNursing is in high demand — with 27,000 applications received against only 2,986 slots available in various institutions.
“That number shows just how popular nursing has become among our youth,” Ogamba noted.Other top KMTC programmes include clinical medicine, emergency medical technician training, surgery, and community health.So far, 25,034 students have been placed in KMTC courses, including 6,750 with C+ and above in KCSE.
Teacher Training Courses Make a Strong Return
Following revised entry requirements by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, teacher training has attracted new interest.
KUCCPS received 20,786 applications for teacher training diplomas, despite having a capacity of 13,823. A total of 11,636 students have been placed:10,800 to Diploma in Primary Teacher Education836 to Diploma in Secondary Teacher EducationLaw Course Draws Fresh AttentionA newly introduced Diploma in Law offered by the Kenya School of Law and listed on the KUCCPS portal drew 500 applicants, signaling interest in legal careers among school leavers.
TVET and KMTC Placements Also Finalized
In the earlier placement phase:93,207 students were placed in public TVET institutions52,725 qualified candidates applied to KMTCUniversity Placements Delayed by Court RulingHowever, not all students know where they’ll go yet. A pending court ruling has stalled some university placements.
Ogamba said the ministry is addressing the issue and hopes for a quick resolution.The Big PictureKenya’s youth are choosing practical, in-demand careers like nursing, teaching, and health sciences. But demand is overwhelming current capacity. The challenge now? Expand spaces — and fast.
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