Tips on how to keep form four leavers busy after the release of KCSE results

By Peter Ochieng

Over 900, 000 candidates sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2024, a record number since the exams were introduced in the country over 30 years ago.

A bulk of those candidates are currently at home probably doing nothing, as they wait to join institutions of higher learning – universities and colleges later in the year.   

While announcing the 2024 KCSE results on Thursday, Cabinet Secretary (CS) for education Julius Ogamba Migos said 246, 391 candidates got direct university entry qualification of grade C+ and above.

The release of the exams will be followed by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) application, and being placed in various institutions of higher learning through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

Form four leavers will then start joining universities and colleges somewhere between August and September. Parents and guardians can therefore apply some of these tips to keep their children busy.

1. Computer classes

You can have your son or daughter join a computer class within your locality. Some high schools offer computer lessons, and there is a possibility that your child already received this particular training.

If he or she did not, this is the time to enroll him or her. Some colleges and universities offer courses with Information Technology (IT), and if your child can learn a few computer packages during this time, he or she will definitely have a head start when they join university or college later in the year.

2. Driving classes

Unlike in the past, driving knowledge is quickly becoming an advantage when one applies for certain jobs. For example, those who have applied for jobs in Embassies such as the US and UK will tell you that the ability to drive is a requirement in most cases.

You can shop around for a licensed driving school in your area, in a bid to keep your son or daughter actively engaged during this duration.  

3. Sports nurturing  

While releasing the results on Thursday, CS Ogamba noted that the majority of those who sat for KCSE in 2024 were aged between 17-19. This is the time when budding sportsmen and women need nurturing.

If your son or daughter has a sports talent – football, tennis, volleyball and the rest, this is the best time to link him or her up with a trainer, who will most likely hold his or her hand to sporting stardom.  

4. Online courses

The late George Magoha, former CS for education’s Curriculum Vitae (CV) was 91 pages. How did he achieve the feat? By enrolling for short and relevant courses at any given opportunity.

The web is full of entities offering short online courses. They can turn out to be a great stepping stone for your son or daughter ahead of joining college or university.  

5. Employment opportunity

If you run a business, this is the time to teach the form four leaver the ropes by handing him or her a short-term opportunity. They can operate as shopkeepers or MPESA attendants to help them get some pocket money.