The Kenya Universities and Colleges Placement Service (KUCCPS) releases cut-off points for university courses, among them Bachelor of Pharmacy programmes.
The Bachelor of Pharmacy programme, offered across eight Kenyan universities, is designed to produce professionals with in-depth knowledge, skills, and attitudes in various areas of pharmacy practice.
Cut off points are weighted cluster points of the last applicant admitted to a specific university degree program, determined by merit, applicant volume, and available capacity
The program is designed to equip the grandaunts with the requisite skills and knowledge to eventually practice in diverse areas such as hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, research and academia, public health and policy, regulatory affairs among others.
Upon completion, graduates are awarded the degree of Bachelor of Pharmacy and are eligible to register with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya (PPB) to practice as licensed pharmacists.
The graduate of the programme will be responsive to societal needs pertaining to ensuring safe and effective use of medications; drug discovery; drug formulation and quality control; regulation of pharmaceutical products and public awareness on appropriate medication adherence.
Requirements for Bachelor of Pharmacy Course
The programme remains one of the most regulated and competitive courses, with admission strictly guided by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).
Candidates must score a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) minimum mean grade of C+ and achieve an average cluster weight of at least B-.
The required subject combination includes Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics, and English or Kiswahili, with no subject falling below a C+.
For those applying through the GCE/A-Level system, students must obtain at least two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry, alongside a subsidiary pass in either Physics or Mathematics, as well as General Paper.
Also Read: KUCCPS Explains How Students Who Missed Past Placement Can Apply for Degree Courses
Diploma holders in health-related fields such as Pharmaceutical Technology, Nursing, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, and Laboratory Technology are also eligible for admission.
However, they must have attained a minimum KCSE mean grade of C plain, with at least a C in cluster subjects, and a credit pass in relevant KNEC examinations or equivalent qualifications.
Alternatively, candidates with a minimum of Division II in KCE (O-Level) must have credit passes in key science subjects, including Chemistry and Biology, alongside Mathematics or Physics and English or Kiswahili.
The programme is offered on a full-time trimester basis and runs for a duration of five years.
Also Read: KUCCPS Clarifies Why Applicants Will Use 2024 Cut-Off Points for Applications
KUCCPS Bachelor of Pharmacy Cut-Off Points
KUCCPS data shows that the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology records the highest cut-off at 43.697, making it the most competitive institution for the course.
It is closely followed by the University of Nairobi at 43.457 and Kenyatta University at 43.381.
Maseno University, which offers Bachelor of Pharmacy with IT, posts a cut-off of 42.967, while Kisii University follows at 42.776. Mount Kenya University records 42.484, maintaining its position within the competitive range.
Private institutions register relatively lower cut-off points, with Kabarak University at 41.648 and Kenya Methodist University closing the list at 39.918.
KUCCPS advises candidates to apply for programmes where their cluster weights meet or exceed previous cut-off points to increase their chances of securing placement.
