The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) was established under Section 55 of the Universities Act, 2012, as a State Corporation with the primary mandate of coordinating the placement of government-sponsored students to universities and colleges. In addition, KUCCPS is tasked with disseminating information on available programmes, their costs, and the areas of study prioritized by the Government; collecting and maintaining data relating to university and college placement; advising the Government on matters relating to university and college student placement; and developing career guidance programmes for the benefit of students across the country.
To effectively deliver on its statutory obligations and strategic goals, the KUCCPS Board invites applications from qualified, visionary, and experienced individuals for the position of Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to head its Secretariat.
Job Purpose
The Chief Executive Officer will serve as the principal executive officer of KUCCPS and will be responsible to the Board for the overall leadership, management, and administration of the organization. The CEO will ensure the efficient implementation of the Board’s policies, strategies, and programmes, while upholding the values of transparency, accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
The role entails oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Placement Service and ensuring that the institution’s mandate is delivered in line with the Universities Act, 2012, and other relevant legal and policy frameworks.
Detailed Job Description
The Chief Executive Officer will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:
- Accounting Officer for the Placement Service – Act as the principal accounting officer responsible for the prudent management and utilization of financial, human, and physical resources of KUCCPS, ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations and standards.
- Secretary to the Board – Serve as the official secretary to the KUCCPS Board, ensuring the proper preparation, documentation, and safe custody of Board minutes, resolutions, and related records.
- Strategic Planning and Implementation – Oversee the formulation, development, and execution of long-term strategic plans and annual operating budgets that align with the institution’s mission, vision, and performance targets.
- Resource Management – Ensure the effective and efficient management of institutional resources, including budgetary control, cost management, and sustainability of funding mechanisms.
- Performance Management – Spearhead the development and implementation of the organization’s performance contracts and ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation of institutional performance against set objectives.
- Board Relations – Facilitate effective communication between the Board and the Secretariat, ensuring that the decisions of the Board are implemented promptly and accurately.
- Policy Development and Advisory Role – Advise the Board on policies and strategic issues relating to the placement of students in universities and colleges, including recommendations on sectoral reforms, emerging trends, and best practices in higher education placement systems.
- Compliance and Governance – Ensure adherence to constitutional, statutory, and regulatory requirements governing public service, corporate governance, and education management. The CEO will also ensure compliance with government directives, public finance laws, and performance management frameworks.
- Human Capital Development – Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing management team and staff cadre, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
- Authorized Officer for the Placement Service – Serve as the authorized officer responsible for human resource matters within KUCCPS, including appointments, promotions, training, and discipline, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Leadership and Institutional Management – Provide leadership to senior management in implementing KUCCPS’s strategic goals, programmes, and operational activities, ensuring effective and efficient service delivery.
- Operational Oversight – Manage the day-to-day operations of KUCCPS, ensuring that the placement of students to universities and colleges is conducted in a fair, transparent, and merit-based manner, consistent with government policy and institutional capacity.
- Internal Controls and Risk Management – Establish and maintain robust internal control systems, risk management frameworks, and operational policies to ensure the integrity and accountability of all institutional processes.
- Information Dissemination and Communication – Oversee the dissemination of accurate and timely information to stakeholders, including universities, colleges, students, and the public, regarding available academic programmes, placement procedures, and government priorities in education.
- Quality Management Systems – Ensure compliance with established Quality Management Systems (QMS) standards and promote continuous improvement in institutional performance and service delivery.
- Reporting and Communication to the Board – Provide regular, comprehensive, and timely reports to the Board on all key aspects of the organization’s financial, operational, and administrative performance.
- Stakeholder Management – Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, universities, colleges, development partners, and other education sector institutions, to enhance collaboration and alignment with national education objectives.
- Corporate Image and Public Relations – Promote the positive image of KUCCPS as a transparent, reliable, and efficient placement authority through proactive communication and engagement with stakeholders and the public.
- Asset Management – Ensure the safe custody, maintenance, and optimal utilization of institutional assets, infrastructure, and resources in accordance with best practices and public asset management regulations.
- Budgeting and Planning – Oversee the preparation of the annual budget and work plans, ensuring that institutional priorities are adequately resourced and that expenditures are aligned with strategic objectives.
- Institutional Representation – Represent KUCCPS in official forums, conferences, and meetings both locally and internationally, championing the organization’s strategic interests and sharing best practices in student placement management.
- Innovation and Digital Transformation – Promote the use of technology and innovation to enhance placement processes, data management, and service delivery to students and institutions.
- Corporate Governance and Integrity – Uphold the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and accountability in all institutional operations, ensuring compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya on leadership and integrity.
- Monitoring and Evaluation – Establish and manage systems for tracking institutional performance, evaluating programme outcomes, and ensuring data-driven decision-making across all functional areas.
- Policy Liaison with Government – Serve as the primary liaison between KUCCPS and the Ministry of Education, ensuring that institutional strategies and programmes are aligned with government policy directions and national development goals.
Person Specifications
For appointment to this position, a candidate must meet the following requirements:
i. Have served for a cumulative period of 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 undertaken a leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
v. Be a member of a relevant professional body, where applicable, and in good standing;
vi. Possess a valid practicing certificate, where applicable;
vii. Demonstrate proficiency in computer applications;
viii. Exhibit outstanding managerial and professional competence as demonstrated by work performance and results; and
ix. Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
Terms of Service and Remuneration
The Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed on a five-year contract, renewable once subject to performance and the applicable retirement age. The CEO will report directly to the KUCCPS Board. Remuneration and benefits attached to this position shall be determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in accordance with government guidelines.
How to Apply
Qualified and interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit two (2) hard copies of their application documents, including a detailed curriculum vitae, academic and professional certificates, and relevant testimonials, by 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, Kenya
Alternatively, candidates may submit soft copy applications along with scanned academic and professional certificates and testimonials via email to:
[email protected] and copy to [email protected]
Applications sent via email should also reach by 28th October 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Successful candidates will be expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism and comply fully with the provisions of Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.
Additional Information
- Canvassing in any form and giving false information will lead to automatic disqualification.
- KUCCPS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Qualified women, youth, persons with disabilities, and candidates from marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted using the postal, email, or telephone contacts provided in their application.
This advertisement presents an opportunity for a highly skilled, visionary, and principled leader to steer the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service toward achieving its mission of equitable, transparent, and efficient placement of students in higher learning institutions. The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership and ensure effective management of resources to support the national agenda on access to quality education and skills development.
The position demands a dynamic professional with proven managerial ability, deep understanding of higher education systems, and commitment to public service excellence.
Applications close on 28th October 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
