The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic futures of Kenyan students. For the 2025 intake, the KUCCPS degree programmes clusters offer a structured pathway for students to match their KCSE performance with university courses. Whether you’re a parent guiding your child, an educator advising students, or a curious member of the public, understanding these clusters is key to navigating higher education options in Kenya.
What Are KUCCPS Degree Programmes Clusters?
KUCCPS clusters group degree programmes based on the subjects students took in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. Each cluster specifies four key subjects—Subject 1, Subject 2, Subject 3, and Subject 4—along with minimum grade requirements. These clusters ensure that students’ academic strengths align with their chosen university courses.
For 2025, KUCCPS has outlined 20 main clusters, some with subclusters, covering fields like law, engineering, medicine, arts, sciences, and education. The clusters are designed to streamline the placement process, making it easier for students to transition from secondary school to university.
Why Understanding Clusters Matters
- For Parents: Helps you support your child in selecting a course that matches their KCSE results and career goals.
- For Educators: Equips you to guide students on subject combinations and career paths.
- For the Public: Offers insight into Kenya’s higher education landscape and opportunities.
With over 200 degree programmes listed for 2025, there’s something for everyone. Let’s explore each cluster in detail.
Cluster 1: Business, Law, and Information Studies
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: English (ENG) or Kiswahili (KIS) – B (Plain)
- Subject 2: Mathematics Alternative A or B (MAT A/B) or Any Group II subject
- Subject 3: Any Group III subject
- Subject 4: A Group II, 2nd Group III, Group IV, or Group V subject
- Minimum Grades: ENG/KIS – C+ for some programmes
Degree Programmes
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Library and Information Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences
- Bachelor of Business Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science (Project Planning Management)
- Bachelor of Human Resources Management
- Bachelor of Catering & Hospitality Management
Insights
Cluster 1 is ideal for students strong in languages and mathematics, opening doors to law, business, and IT-related fields. Programmes like Bachelor of Laws require a C+ in English or Kiswahili, reflecting the need for strong communication skills.
Cluster 2: Business and Management
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: ENG/KIS
- Subject 2: MAT A/B
- Subject 3: Any Group II or Group III
- Subject 4: A Group II, Group III, Group IV, or Group V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 2A:
- Bachelor in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Co-operative Management
- Subcluster 2B:
- Bachelor of Project Planning and Management
- Bachelor of Hotel & Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science in Strategic Management
Insights
This cluster caters to students interested in management and entrepreneurship, with flexible subject options that accommodate diverse KCSE backgrounds.
Cluster 3: Arts, Media, and Social Sciences
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: ENG/KIS – C+
- Subject 2: MAT A/B or Any Group II
- Subject 3: Any Group III
- Subject 4: A Group II, Group III, Group IV, or Group V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 3A: Bachelor of Journalism
- Subcluster 3B: Bachelor of Arts (English & Communication)
- Subcluster 3C: Bachelor of Arts (Kiswahili and Communication)
- Subcluster 3D: Bachelor of Psychology
- Subcluster 3E: Bachelor of Arts (Fine Art, With IT)
Insights
Perfect for creatives and communicators, Cluster 3 emphasizes language proficiency, making it a hotspot for media and social science careers.
Cluster 4: Engineering and Geospatial Sciences
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: MAT A – C+
- Subject 2: Physics (PHY) – C+
- Subject 3: Biology (BIO), Chemistry (CHE), or Geography (GEO)
- Subject 4: Any Group II, III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 4A: Bachelor of Science (Geomatic Engineering)
- Subcluster 4B: Bachelor of Science in Mining Physics
Insights
Cluster 4 targets students excelling in math and physics, offering technical courses critical for Kenya’s infrastructure development.
Cluster 5: Engineering and Technology
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: MAT A – C+
- Subject 2: PHY – C+
- Subject 3: CHE – C+
- Subject 4: BIO or Any Group III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 5A: Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical Engineering)
- Subcluster 5B: Bachelor of Science (Analytical Chemistry)
- Subcluster 5C: Bachelor of Science (Renewable Energy)
Insights
This cluster is a gateway to engineering and tech innovation, requiring a strong science foundation.
Cluster 6: Architecture and Real Estate
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: MAT A – C+
- Subject 2: PHY
- Subject 3: Any Group III
- Subject 4: Any Group II, III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 6A: Bachelor of Architecture
- Subcluster 6B: Bachelor of Construction Management
- Subcluster 6C: Bachelor of Real Estate
Insights
Cluster 6 suits students interested in building and property management, blending technical and practical skills.
Cluster 7: IT and Statistics
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: MAT A – C+
- Subject legtöbb2: PHY
- Subject 3: Any Group II or III
- Subject 4: Any Group II, III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 7A: Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
- Subcluster 7B: Bachelor of Science (Applied Statistics)
- Subcluster 7C: Bachelor of Information Technology
Insights
A hub for tech enthusiasts, Cluster 7 aligns with Kenya’s growing digital economy.
Cluster 8: Biological Sciences and IT
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: MAT A
- Subject 2: BIO
- Subject 3: PHY or CHE
- Subject 4: Any Group II, III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 8A: Bachelor of Science (Agribusiness)
Insights
This cluster bridges biology and technology, ideal for agri-tech innovators.
Cluster 9: Sciences
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: MAT A
- Subject 2: Any Group II
- Subject 3: 2nd Group II
- Subject 4: Any Group III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 9A: Bachelor of Science (Basic Science)
- Subcluster 9B: Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
- Subcluster 9C: Bachelor of Science (Physics)
Insights
Cluster 9 offers a broad science foundation, perfect for research-oriented students.
Cluster 10: Economics and Finance
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: MAT A – C+
- Subject 2: Any Group II or III
- Subject 3: Any Group IV or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 10A: Bachelor of Science (Accountancy)
- Subcluster 10B: Bachelor of Economics
- Subcluster 10C: Bachelor of Actuarial Science
Insights
Cluster 10 is for number crunchers aiming for finance and economic analysis careers.
Cluster 11: Applied Sciences
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: CHE
- Subject 2: MAT A/B or PHY
- Subject 3: BIO or Home Science (HSC)
- Subject 4: ENG/KIS or Any Group III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 11A: Bachelor of Science (Fashion Design)
Insights
Cluster 11 blends chemistry with practical applications like fashion technology.
Cluster 12: Sports and Health
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: BIO
- Subject 2: MAT A
- Subject 3: Any Group II or III
- Subject 4: ENG/KIS or Any Group IV or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 12A: Bachelor of Science (Exercise & Sport Science)
Insights
Ideal for students passionate about health and sports sciences.
Cluster 13: Medical and Health Sciences
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: BIO – B
- Subject 2: CHE – B
- Subject 3: MAT A/PHY – B
- Subject 4: ENG/KIS – B
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 13A: Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery
- Subcluster 13B: Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Subcluster 13C: Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Insights
Cluster 13 demands top grades, reflecting the rigor of medical professions.
Cluster 14: History and Arts
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: History and Government (HAG) – C+
- Subject 2: ENG/KIS
- Subject 3: MAT A/B or Any Group II
- Subject 4: Any Group III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 14A: Bachelor of Arts (History)
Insights
Cluster 14 appeals to students interested in humanities and social studies.
Cluster 15: Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: BIO – C+
- Subject 2: CHE – C+
- Subject 3: MAT A/PHY/GEO
- Subject 4: ENG/KIS or Any Group III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 15A: Bachelor of Science (Animal Health)
- Subcluster 15B: Bachelor of Science (Food Nutrition)
- Subcluster 15C: Bachelor of Science (Horticulture)
Insights
Cluster 15 supports Kenya’s agricultural and environmental sustainability goals.
Cluster 16: Geography
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: GEO – C+
- Subject 2: MAT A/B
- Subject 3: Any Group II
- Subject 4: Any Group III, IV, or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 16A: Bachelor of Arts (Geography)
Insights
Cluster 16 is for students keen on spatial and environmental analysis.
Cluster 17: Languages
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: French (FRE) or German (GER) – C+
- Subject 2: ENG/KIS
- Subject 3: MAT A/B or Any Group II or III
- Subject 4: Any Group IV or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 17A: Bachelor of Arts (French)
Insights
Cluster 17 targets language enthusiasts with global career aspirations.
Cluster 18: Music
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: Music (MUS) – C+
- Subject 2: ENG/KIS
- Subject 3: MAT A/B or Any Group II or III
- Subject 4: Any Group IV or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 18A: Bachelor of Music
Insights
Cluster 18 nurtures Kenya’s next generation of musicians.
Cluster 19: Education
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: ENG/KIS/MAT A/B – C+
- Subject 2: Varies by subcluster
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 19A: Bachelor of Education (Science)
- Subcluster 19B: Bachelor of Education (Arts)
Insights
Cluster 19 prepares future educators across various disciplines.
Cluster 20: Religious Studies
Subject Requirements
- Subject 1: Christian Religious Education (CRE)/Islamic Religious Education (IRE)/Hindu Religious Education (HRE) – C+
- Subject 2: ENG/KIS – C
- Subject 3: Any Group II or III
- Subject 4: Any Group IV or V subject
Degree Programmes
- Subcluster 20A: Bachelor of Arts (Religious Studies)
Insights
Cluster 20 caters to students passionate about theology and ethics.
Ready to explore your options for the 2025 KUCCPS intake? Visit the official KUCCPS portal to check your KCSE results against these clusters and apply for your dream course. Don’t wait—start planning your academic journey today!
