Thousands miss out as 6,500 compete for 702 Medicine slots in university

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Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) Chief Executive Officer Mercy Wahome. [Jenipher Wachie, Standard]

Medicine has once again emerged as Kenya's most competitive university degree programme, with more than 6,500 candidates battling for only 702 available slots during the 2026/27 university placement exercise.

Data released by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) shows that the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme attracted 6,500 applications against a combined capacity of just 702 places across public and private universities, leaving nearly 5,800 qualified applicants without admission through the government placement system.

The figures underscore the growing demand for medical training in Kenya, where medicine remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after careers despite the country's challenges in employing newly qualified doctors.