From Classroom to Career: Inside KUCCPS’ Bold Plan to Fix Course Selection Chaos

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Hundreds of students, parents, educators and industry players are expected to converge at a major national forum that seeks to reshape how young people make decisions about their education and careers.

The event comes at a time when concerns are growing over skills mismatch, course congestion and unemployment among graduates.

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has announced plans to host the country’s first ever National Career Conference and Exhibition.

The initiative is aimed at equipping learners with accurate, practical and timely information before they select university and college programmes.

According to KUCCPS, the conference will bring together secondary school students, teachers, career counsellors, parents, higher education institutions, training colleges and employers under one platform.

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Participants will be exposed to emerging career trends, evolving labour market demands and alternative education pathways beyond traditional degree programmes.

KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome said the conference is designed to address persistent gaps in career guidance that have often left students ill-prepared when making placement choices.

She noted that many learners select courses based on perceptions, peer pressure or outdated information, only to struggle later with course suitability or job prospects.

“The conference will provide students with a rare opportunity to interact directly with universities, colleges, professional bodies and industry experts.

This will help them understand what different careers actually entail and the skills required to succeed,” Wahome said.

The exhibition segment will allow institutions to showcase their programmes, entry requirements and progression pathways, while employers will highlight skills shortages and future workforce needs.

Career experts are also expected to conduct mentorship sessions, panel discussions and one-on-one guidance clinics.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, saying it will complement existing career guidance efforts in schools.

They argue that early exposure to career information can help reduce course transfers, dropouts and frustration among learners once they join institutions of higher learning.

KUCCPS added that the conference aligns with ongoing education reforms that emphasize competency based learning, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and stronger linkages between education and the job market.

Details on the conference dates, venue and registration process are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Organisers have indicated that the event will be held annually, making it a key fixture in the country’s education and career planning calendar.