The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is a state corporation established under Section 55 of the Universities Act (2012). It plays a critical role in the higher education sector by coordinating the placement of government-sponsored students to universities and colleges. The organization ensures fair, transparent, and merit-based placement processes and is committed to facilitating access to quality tertiary education in Kenya.
In fulfilling its mandate, KUCCPS disseminates information on available programmes, their costs, and areas of study prioritized by the government. It collects and maintains data on student placements, provides policy advice to the government, and develops career guidance programs that help students make informed academic and career decisions.
To strengthen leadership and operational efficiency, the KUCCPS Board seeks to competitively recruit a Secretary/Chief Executive Officer who will provide strategic direction and oversee the day-to-day operations of the institution.
POSITION: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (KUCCPS GRADE 1)
Job Purpose
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the Accounting Officer and Secretary to the Board and is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Placement Service. The role involves ensuring the effective implementation of Board policies, government directives, and strategic objectives in line with KUCCPS’s legal mandate and mission. The CEO will also be responsible for fostering institutional efficiency, innovation, and accountability across all functions of the organization.
Detailed Job Description
The Chief Executive Officer will report directly to the KUCCPS Board. The role encompasses leadership, governance, operational oversight, stakeholder engagement, and compliance responsibilities. Specifically, the CEO will perform the following duties:
- Accounting Officer for the Placement Service
The CEO will be responsible for the financial management of the organization, ensuring adherence to the Public Finance Management Act and other applicable regulations. This includes oversight of budgeting, expenditure control, and financial reporting. - Secretary to the Board
The position entails ensuring the effective functioning of the Board by preparing agendas, recording minutes, facilitating communication between the Board and management, and ensuring the implementation of Board resolutions. - Strategic Leadership and Planning
The CEO will oversee the formulation and execution of long-term strategic plans and operational frameworks that align with the KUCCPS vision and national education goals. This involves guiding the institution’s growth, innovation, and sustainability. - Resource Management and Optimization
The CEO will ensure prudent management of financial, human, and physical resources. This includes establishing internal controls and efficiency systems to enhance accountability, value for money, and performance-based management. - Performance Contracting and Evaluation
Spearheading the development and implementation of performance contracts and ensuring the achievement of key performance indicators and institutional objectives will form a core part of the CEO’s role. - Policy and Strategy Advisory Role
The CEO will advise the Board on matters of policy, strategy, and emerging trends in the education sector to ensure KUCCPS remains relevant, responsive, and aligned with national development priorities. - Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring that the Placement Service operates in strict adherence to constitutional provisions, statutory requirements, and relevant government regulations is a key accountability area. - Corporate Governance and Board Support
The CEO will promote sound corporate governance by ensuring transparency, integrity, and accountability in decision-making processes and by upholding institutional values and ethics. - Human Capital Leadership
Developing and nurturing a motivated, professional, and high-performing workforce will be essential. The CEO will lead efforts in talent management, succession planning, and fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork across all departments. - Operational Management and Coordination
The CEO will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Placement Service, ensuring seamless coordination across functional units and effective implementation of programmes related to student placement and information dissemination. - Communication and Stakeholder Management
The CEO will facilitate timely and effective communication between management, the Board, and external stakeholders. This includes maintaining positive relations with government agencies, universities, colleges, development partners, and the public. - Institutional Policy Implementation
Ensuring that the organization’s policies and programmes are effectively implemented in accordance with its strategic plan and statutory mandate. - Records and Document Management
Overseeing the preparation, storage, and safe custody of institutional and Board documents, ensuring confidentiality, accessibility, and compliance with relevant record-keeping standards. - Quality Management Systems (QMS)
The CEO will oversee the maintenance, review, and compliance with Quality Management Systems, ensuring that institutional processes are standardized, efficient, and continuously improved. - Budgeting and Financial Oversight
The CEO will lead the preparation of annual budgets, work plans, and financial forecasts. They will establish internal controls to ensure resources are utilized efficiently and transparently. - Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)
The CEO will establish systems for monitoring institutional performance, measuring results, and ensuring continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making. - Corporate Image and Public Relations
As the chief representative of KUCCPS, the CEO will oversee public relations activities, ensuring that the institution maintains a positive image and credibility within the education sector and among the public. - Risk Management and Internal Controls
The CEO will establish frameworks for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could affect institutional performance or reputation. - Innovation and Institutional Development
The CEO will promote innovation in placement systems, career guidance, and service delivery, ensuring the organization remains technologically advanced and responsive to stakeholder needs. - Asset Management and Institutional Security
The CEO will ensure that all institutional assets are safeguarded, maintained, and optimally utilized to support service delivery. - Reporting and Accountability
The CEO will provide regular, comprehensive, and prompt reports to the Board on technical, financial, and administrative matters, ensuring accountability and transparency in all operations. - Representation and Advocacy
The CEO will represent KUCCPS in official forums, engage with key stakeholders, and advocate for policies that support equitable access to higher education opportunities. - Leadership and Institutional Culture
The CEO will promote a culture of integrity, professionalism, and service excellence, ensuring that all staff align with KUCCPS’s mission and values.
Person Specifications
To qualify for appointment to this position, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
i. Have served for a cumulative period of at least fifteen (15) years, five (5) of which must have been in a senior management position.
ii. Hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized institution.
iii. Hold a Master’s Degree from a recognized institution.
iv. Have successfully completed a leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution.
v. Be a member of a relevant professional body in good standing, where applicable.
vi. Possess a valid practicing certificate, where applicable.
vii. Demonstrate proficiency in computer applications.
viii. Have demonstrated outstanding managerial and professional competence as evidenced by work performance and results.
ix. 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 will report directly to the KUCCPS Board. The appointment will be for a term of five (5) years, renewable once based on satisfactory performance and subject to the prevailing retirement age policy.
Remuneration for this position will be determined in accordance with the guidelines set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Application Procedure
Interested and qualified candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit two (2) hard copies of their applications, including academic and professional certificates and relevant testimonials, not later than 28th October 2025 at 5.00 p.m.
Applications should be addressed to:
Board Chairman
Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS)
P.O. Box 105166 – 00101
NAIROBI
Alternatively, candidates may submit a soft copy of their applications together with academic and professional certificates and testimonials by email to:
[email protected]
and copy to [email protected]
The deadline for receipt of applications is 28th October 2025 at 5.00 p.m.
Important Notes
- Canvassing in any form and providing false information will lead to automatic disqualification.
- The KUCCPS Board is an equal opportunity employer.
- Qualified women, youth, persons from marginalized communities, and persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted through the postal, email, or telephone contacts provided in their applications.
- Successful candidates must demonstrate the highest ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism in compliance with Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
