Gov’t Allows Students with Grade E in KCSE to Study to PhD Level

Kenyan students who score grade E in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam will now be allowed to join public universities to undertake undergraduate, postgraduate and even doctorate degrees.

Under new regulations gazetted by Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, this category of students will be allowed to start from the lowest level before joining universities to pursue degree courses.

However, the process may take them more years than those who qualify for degrees automatically from high school. The time to be taken by one to reach the highest education level will depend on their willingness, ability and interest, the guidelines say.

The group will be required to begin with an artisan certificate taking six months and worth a minimum of 60 credit value, which will allow them to progress to the next level.

However, in the new guidelines, the Ministry failed to dictate at what level diploma holders will join universities, leaving the decision to individual institutions.

In the past, while some universities allowed diploma holders to join first year, others admitted them at the second year lever and third for others.

“The university will be in a position to assess a diploma student and determine at what level he or she can start his undergraduate studies but subject to our approval,” said Kenya National Qualifications Authority chairman Bonaventure Kerre.

In the new guidelines, one is required to have master’s degree to enroll for a doctorate program that will take three years with a minimum of 360 credits, while those taking postgraduate degree will take two years earning a minimum of 240 credits.

Those enrolling post graduate diplomas or certificates must posses a Bachelor’s degree and will take one year or 120 credits. Learners  enrolling for degree programs will be required to have a C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations (KCSE) or its equivalent as determined by the authority or completion of a diploma.

To study a diploma course, one will be required to have a C- grade in KCSE or its equivalent as determined by the authority or certificate. The course will take two years with 240 credits.

Those enrolling for a craft certificate course must have a D (plain) in KCSE and will complete the course in one year.