The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has warned students, parents and guardians to ignore fraudulent online links claiming to facilitate inter-institutional transfers following the release of the 2026 university and college placement results.
The placement agency said it has not yet opened the official transfer application window and advised the public to rely only on information shared through its verified communication channels.
The warning comes after fake posters and online messages began circulating on social media, misleading students into paying money for transfer services that have not been launched.
KUCCPS says transfer window is not yet open
In a public notice issued on Monday, KUCCPS clarified that applications for inter-institutional transfers have not started and that any links claiming otherwise are fraudulent.
The agency said the official dates for transfer applications will be announced through its X (formerly Twitter) account, the KUCCPS website and the Student Portal.
“Students, parents and the general public are advised that KUCCPS has not started receiving inter-institutional transfer applications. Application dates will be announced soon through this X Page, KUCCPS website and Student’s Portal. Beware of false and misleading information. Do not fall victim to online scammers,” KUCCPS stated.
Fraudsters demand payment from students
According to KUCCPS, fraudsters have been circulating posters advertising transfer services shortly after the release of the 2026 placement results.
Some of the fake notices instruct students wishing to change institutions to complete an online form before paying service charges, including KSh600 for HELB account creation and KSh1,000 purportedly for KUCCPS transfer processing.
The links direct applicants to Google Forms, where they are asked to provide personal information, explain why they want to transfer and submit payment confirmation messages.
KUCCPS has distanced itself from the forms, warning that they are designed to scam unsuspecting students and parents.
Why some students were placed in different courses
KUCCPS released the 2026 placement results on July 8, alongside a one-month extended revision period for students admitted to programmes or institutions that were not among their preferred choices.
The agency explained that placement is conducted automatically based on several factors, including a candidate’s KCSE performance, programme preferences and the available capacity in universities and colleges.
Students may therefore be placed in alternative courses or institutions if competition for their preferred programmes is high or if they do not attain the required cluster points.
During the application process, applicants are also asked whether they authorise KUCCPS to place them in alternative programmes where they qualify. Those who selected “Yes” may have been allocated available courses that meet the minimum admission requirements.
Official transfers to open before September admission
KUCCPS said students who are dissatisfied with their placement will have an opportunity to apply for official inter-institutional transfers once the transfer window is opened ahead of the September intake.
The agency urged applicants to wait for the formal announcement and submit applications only through the KUCCPS Student Portal.
It also advised students and parents to avoid making payments to individuals or websites claiming to offer transfer services before the official process begins, warning that only information issued through KUCCPS’ authorised platforms should be trusted.
