STEM EDUCATION/PROGRAMMES/CAREERS

JANUARY 2021
 About KUCCPS
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service
(KUCCPS) is an agency of the Kenya government established to
undertake the placement of students to universities and colleges
and develop career guidance programmes for students, among
other functions.

Mandate
1. Coordinate the placement of Government-sponsored
students to universities and colleges;
2. Disseminate information on available programmes, their
costs and areas of study as prioritised by the Government;
3. Collect and retain data relating to university and college
placement;
4.  evelop career guidance programmes for the benefit of
D
students;
5. Advise the Government on matters relating to university
and college student placement; and
6. Perform any other function assigned to it under the Act

What Are STEM Subjects?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics, but a far wider range of academic
disciplines fall under this description. Here’s a list of some of the other STEM courses you could study:

• Mathematics

• Astronomy

• Computer science

• Electrical engineering

• Biochemistry

• Biology

• Chemical engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Physics

• Statistics

• Chemistry

• Civil Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

Why STEM Programmes?

Scientific and technological innovations have become crucial in the

21st century and to succeed in the highly technological society,
students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to match
today’s advancements.
a) STEM Education and Gender Roles

STEM Education breaks the traditional gender roles. It helps in bridging the gender gaps that sometimes
exist between math and science fields through development of initiatives that are geared towards the
increasing the roles of women in STEM related fields.

b) A priority focus on STEM is key to overcoming limitations that are brought by the gap between the
knowledge generated in the education system and the skills demanded by employers.

c) Future careers rely heavily on 21st century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness,
collaboration and problem solving. STEM complements the development of 21st century skills.

Why are fewer people going into STEM?

• Men are more suited to STEM. (Blegh!)

• People think scientists work in isolation (False, teamwork is key to

most)

• They are not helping/social professions. (False, think of your doctor)

• Narrowed field of study. (Some areas are specialized, many are not)

• STEM is perceived as nerdy. (Maybe a little)

• It is too hard. (It is hard, not too hard)

• Failure to recognize and inspire the thrill of discovery!

STEM Careers

• STEM careers are in high demand!

• You get to work on projects.

• There are more flexible working hours.

• Your creative instincts and interests will be needed,

often.

– You actually contribute to the tangible or

intangible advancement of society.

• The pleasure of discovery or of solving a tricky

problem.

• You may work with really sophisticated instruments.

• STEM careers are highly collaborative.

• T
 he field is always changing and challenging, you
will never be bored.

• Your career can still morph into a managerial

position.

• Y
 ou can always start in a STEM field and later
decide to do something else: law, arts, business etc.

• Salaries tend to be on the higher end.

• You learn that it is OK to fail (even repeatedly) if

your outlook is right.

This will build your confidence and resilience!

Preparing for STEM

• Get good grades.

• Engage in extra-curricular activities that expose

you to STEM.

– Math clubs, Science fairs etc.

• Holiday programs in STEM will widen your

appreciation

• Talk to family, friends and mentors who are

involved in science fields.

• Work in teams.

– Even if the subjects are not set up that way.

• Persevere.

– Seek help from teachers and students ahead

of you, this is not a sign of weakness, but a
sign of purpose and resourcefulness!

What are some of the offered degree in STEM programmes?

S/NO ENGINEERING SCIENCE & MATHEMATICS TECHNOLOGY

1. Bachelor of Science in industrial Bachelor of Technology (Applied Bachelor of Technology
Chemistry Statistics) (Communication and Computer
Networks)
2. Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Bachelor of Science (Mathematics Bachelor of Science in Software
Engineering) With It) Engineering
3. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Bachelor of Science (Financial Bachelor of Science (Biomedical
& Electronic Engineering Engineering) Science & Technology)
4. Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science (Mathematics Bachelor of Technology (Medical
(Mechanical Engineering) and Economics) Laboratory Science)
5. Bachelor of Engineering Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Bachelor of Science (industrial
(Agricultural & Bio-Systems Science With It) Mathematics)
Engineering)

STEM and TVET

Programmes under TVET are also within the requirements of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM). STEM knowledge and skills play a key role in sustainable growth and stability of the economy.

S/NO DIPLOMA CRAFT ARTISAN

1. Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Craft Certificate in Mechanical Artisan in Electrical installation
Engineering Engineering (Automotive Option)

2. Diploma in industrial Craft in Food Processing Nvcet Certificate in information

Microbiology & Biotechnology Technology Communication Technology
3. Diploma in information Craft in information Nvcet in Refrigeration and Air
Communication Technology Communication Technology Conditioning
4. Diploma in Technology Craft in Civil Engineering Trade Test in Leatherwork
(Aeronautical Engineering) Technology
5. Diploma in Computer Science Craft in Science Laboratory Artisan in Food and Beverage
Technology Production and Service
KUCCPS: Towards achieving Gender Balance in STEM
Challenges Facing Gender Balance in STEM

• Lack of access to female role models

• Hazy path to success.

• Lack of practical experience

• Thinking abilities are static and cannot be improved

• Lack of confidence

• False stereotypes about STEM

Empowering Female Students

• Teach a Growth Mentality

– Emphasizing that skills change and develop over time, the important thing is to keep growing.

• Offering Hands-On STEM Exercises

– Practical experiences in class, can bring STEM subjects to life.

• Teach the value of failure

– Encouraging learners to view setbacks as a part of the learning process.

• Confidence building

– Provide opportunities to succeed such as science fairs and rewards for innovations

– Creating an enabling environment for struggling students.

• Provide Role Models

• The following are potential areas of putting girls in contact with the role models:

– Having teachers, preferably female, who mentor and encourage girls.

– Matching the new students with willing upper class female students.

– Career expo/workshops with invited female industry professionals.

• Combating False Stereotypes about Women in STEM

– S
 ensitizing girls in high school and the public on the benefits of STEM courses. Such as employability
and market preferences.

• Talk about Successful Women in Industry

– A
 im to show learners that success in the field is achievable by providing practical examples of successful
women.

Helpful Links

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