The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is a state corporation established under Section 55 of the Universities Act (2012). The institution’s mandate is to coordinate the placement of government-sponsored students to universities and colleges; disseminate information on available programmes and their costs; collect and retain data relating to university and college placement; advise the Government on student placement matters; and develop career guidance programmes to support learners across the country.
As part of its continuous commitment to effective service delivery and the enhancement of access and equity in higher education placement, the KUCCPS Board of Directors invites qualified and experienced individuals to apply for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), KUCCPS Grade 1. This position represents a unique opportunity to lead one of Kenya’s most critical public service institutions in ensuring fair, transparent, and efficient placement of students to tertiary institutions nationwide.
Position: Chief Executive Officer, KUCCPS Grade 1
Job Purpose
The Chief Executive Officer serves as the head of the KUCCPS Secretariat and is responsible to the Placement Board for the overall strategic leadership, management, and coordination of the institution’s operations. The role involves implementing the Board’s policies, programmes, and strategic objectives while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and government policy guidelines. The CEO acts as the institution’s Accounting Officer, the Secretary to the Board, and the Authorized Officer responsible for administrative and operational oversight of the organization.
This is a pivotal leadership role that requires a visionary and results-driven individual capable of steering the organization toward achieving its statutory mandate and aligning with national education priorities.
Job Specification
The CEO will be accountable to the KUCCPS Board and will undertake the following key duties and responsibilities:
- Serve as the Accounting Officer for the Placement Service, ensuring proper financial management and accountability in all institutional transactions and resource utilization.
- Act as Secretary to the Board, overseeing the preparation, custody, and management of Board documents, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with institutional and legal frameworks.
- Provide strategic leadership in the formulation and implementation of long-term institutional strategies, plans, and annual operating budgets consistent with the organization’s goals and national education objectives.
- Ensure prudent management of resources through effective budgeting, expenditure control, and compliance with relevant public financial management regulations.
- Spearhead the development and implementation of Performance Contracts for KUCCPS, ensuring that institutional targets are met in line with government expectations.
- Oversee the preparation, safekeeping, and retrieval of official Board records and documentation, guaranteeing accuracy, accessibility, and transparency in all record management practices.
- Facilitate efficient communication between the Board and the management team, ensuring the seamless flow of information and implementation of decisions.
- Advise the Board on all policies, strategies, and initiatives that relate to the KUCCPS mandate, including placement processes, stakeholder engagement, and technological innovation in placement systems.
- Ensure compliance with constitutional, statutory, and regulatory requirements in all the operations and activities of the Placement Service.
- Develop, motivate, and retain a team of highly skilled and professional staff by fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability within the institution.
- Serve as the Authorized Officer of KUCCPS, providing executive leadership and ensuring adherence to human resource policies, ethical standards, and institutional values.
- Provide leadership to senior management and other staff, ensuring teamwork, clear performance expectations, and continuous capacity development.
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the organization by implementing the Board’s policies and programmes related to the placement of students in universities and colleges.
- Establish and maintain internal monitoring, evaluation, and control systems to track institutional performance, operational effectiveness, and service delivery outcomes.
- Oversee the dissemination of accurate and up-to-date information on available academic programmes, placement processes, and institutional capacities to students, parents, and education stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems and continuous improvement of institutional processes to meet emerging educational and technological needs.
- Provide timely and comprehensive reports to the Board on key technical, financial, and administrative matters to support effective oversight and decision-making.
- Manage stakeholder relations by promoting collaboration with universities, colleges, regulatory bodies, and other government agencies, ensuring the institution’s reputation is upheld.
- Promote the corporate image of KUCCPS through strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and public relations initiatives that reinforce transparency and trust.
- Ensure the safe custody of institutional assets and the implementation of measures to protect public resources against misuse or loss.
- Oversee the preparation of annual budgets, work plans, and institutional performance reports while maintaining robust internal controls for accountability and efficiency.
Person Specifications
To be appointed as Chief Executive Officer, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Have served for a cumulative period of at least fifteen (15) years, with a minimum of five (5) years in a senior management position in a reputable organization.
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized institution.
- Possess a Master’s Degree from a recognized institution.
- Have successfully completed a leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
- Be a member in good standing of a relevant professional body, where applicable.
- Possess a valid practicing certificate, where applicable.
- Demonstrate proficiency in computer applications.
- Exhibit outstanding managerial and professional competence, as reflected in previous work performance and results.
- Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity.
Terms of Service and Remuneration
The Chief Executive Officer shall report directly to the Board of KUCCPS and will hold office for a term of five (5) years, renewable once subject to satisfactory performance and the mandatory retirement age. Remuneration for this position will be determined in accordance with guidelines provided by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Application Procedure
Qualified and interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit two (2) hard copies of their job applications, accompanied by copies of academic and professional certificates, and other relevant testimonials.
Applications must be received no later than 28th October 2025 at 5.00 p.m. and should be addressed to:
Board Chairman,
Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS),
P.O. Box 105166 – 00101,
NAIROBI.
Alternatively, applicants may submit soft copies of their applications, together with the required certificates and testimonials, via email to:
- [email protected], and
- Copy (cc) to [email protected]
All email applications must also be received by 28th October 2025 at 5.00 p.m.
Successful candidates must demonstrate the highest levels of ethical conduct, professionalism, and integrity and comply fully with the provisions of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
Important Notes
- Canvassing in any form or providing false information will lead to automatic disqualification.
- KUCCPS is an equal opportunity employer.
- Qualified women, youth, marginalized communities, and persons living with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted using the postal address, email, or telephone contacts provided in their applications.
The position of Chief Executive Officer at KUCCPS is one of significant responsibility and national importance. The successful candidate will lead the institution in ensuring equitable access to higher education opportunities and uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability in student placement processes. This role demands visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and service to the Kenyan public.
Interested individuals who meet the outlined criteria are invited to take up this opportunity to contribute to the transformation of Kenya’s higher education landscape through leadership at KUCCPS.
