Education CS Julius Ogamba Maintains C+ University Entry Grade Amid Enrollment Surge
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Friday, January 10, confirmed that the C+ cut-off grade for public university admission would remain unchanged, despite a significant increase in the number of students qualifying for university entry in 2025.
Speaking to the press, Ogamba revealed that the number of students attaining C+ and above had risen from 201,000 to 246,000. He reassured the public that the government is prepared to accommodate the surge.
“The number of students joining universities in 2025 has risen to 246,000. We will retain the C+ grade as the cut-off for admission to public universities,” he affirmed.
Ogamba also addressed concerns about the strain on resources caused by the increase, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing financial and human resources to support universities.
Government to Adjust Student-Based Funding Model
The Education CS reiterated the government’s intention to continue with the student-centered university funding model but indicated that adjustments would be made to address concerns raised by various committees and the courts.
“We will review all the issues, incorporate them, and establish a funding model that is fit for purpose. The funding model will remain student-centered,” Ogamba stated.
The 2024 KCSE candidates, joining in 2025, will be the third cohort under the funding model. However, the model has faced criticism for being discriminatory in selecting students for funding.
Court Declares Funding Model Unconstitutional
On December 20, 2024, the High Court ruled the student-centered funding model unconstitutional and discriminatory due to inadequate public participation.
Justice Chacha Mwita highlighted that the model’s variable scholarship and loan funding (VSLF) framework unfairly categorized students based on perceived financial capability.
“It’s unrealistic if not unfair to consider someone earning Ksh70,000 per month as not needy given the taxation level in the country,” the judge observed.
He concluded that the funding model contravened the principle of equality before the law, emphasizing that the state must avoid discrimination.
