KUCCPS Announces Mandatory Career Conference for University-Bound Students

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service has called upon prospective university and college applicants to participate in the inaugural National Career Conference and Exhibition 2026, scheduled to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from January 27-29.

The placement service announced that the conference will provide students with comprehensive career guidance as they prepare for the upcoming placement application period, which follows the recent completion of national examinations.

According to the agency, the three-day event will bring together students, parents, higher education institutions, and education sector stakeholders under one roof to facilitate informed decision-making regarding academic and professional futures.

The conference will host over 100 participating organizations, including both public and private universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, professional associations, and corporate sector representatives, KUCCPS confirmed.

Attendees will have access to specialized career counseling sessions, mentorship opportunities with professionals from various industries, and presentations addressing current employment market dynamics and skills development requirements.

KUCCPS indicated that the programme will include policy discussions bringing together government officials and educational leaders to explore ways of harmonizing academic training with the country’s development objectives.

The service will establish dedicated help desks throughout the conference to support students with placement inquiries and institutional transfer processes, reinforcing its role as an ongoing career resource beyond mere placement facilitation.

In a parallel development, Kenya Utalii College programmes will become available through the KUCCPS platform for the first time, following an agreement between the two organizations.

KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome announced the collaboration after discussions with Kenya Utalii College leadership on Wednesday, January 20, confirming that hospitality and tourism courses will be integrated into the placement portal ahead of the 2026 application period.

Wahome explained that the arrangement aims to expand student access to specialized hospitality training while supporting increased enrollment at the institution.

The partnership will extend beyond placement to encompass employment sector analysis, career pathway development, and community outreach initiatives to maximize student participation across all regions.

These announcements come as candidates who completed the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination await the official commencement of the placement application process for tertiary institutions nationwide.