In a bid to provide students with a chance to fulfill their academic dreams, the Kenyan government has unveiled an innovative solution – bridging courses. These courses are specifically tailored for students who fell short in certain subjects during their KCSE exams, offering them an avenue to meet subject prerequisites for their desired courses.
The announcement, a landmark decision, was made public on July 18, 2023, following approval in a cabinet meeting led by President William Ruto.
Guided by the Ministry of Education, the formulation of comprehensive guidelines and regulations for these bridging courses is underway. The finer details, including costs, course duration, and partnering universities, will be shared once these guidelines are finalized and published.
Understanding Bridging Courses:
Bridging courses are concise educational programs intended to assist students who didn’t attain the requisite pass marks in specific subjects during their KNEC KCSE exams. For example, if a student successfully achieved a mean grade of C+ for a particular course but faced setbacks in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology – pivotal prerequisites for the chosen course – they now have the option to enroll in a tailored bridging course that concentrates solely on the subject they struggled with. Completion of the bridging course, coupled with successful performance in the subsequent resit examinations, will render them eligible to apply for their desired course, utilizing the improved results from the resit exams.
This initiative is poised to be particularly transformative for a multitude of students who have long aspired to enroll in the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) to pursue medical-oriented courses. Previously hindered by the obstacle of not fulfilling the subject requirements, especially in Biology, this new opportunity offers a lifeline to their ambitions.
In conclusion, the introduction of bridging courses stands as a testament to Kenya’s commitment to educational inclusivity and empowerment. By extending a helping hand to students who faced setbacks, the nation is paving the way for a brighter academic future – one where aspirations are within reach, and dreams are no longer curtailed by past challenges.
