Cluster Points for Nursing in Kenya: University-Wise Breakdown.
Cluster points, also known as cut-off points, are the minimum scores required for admission to specific university courses in Kenya. These points are determined based on candidates’ Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) performance, varying by course and institution.
For instance, the cluster points for nursing are distinct from those for law, even within the same university. Meeting or surpassing these points is a prerequisite for eligibility in respective degree programs.
Key Cluster Subjects for Nursing
For admission into nursing programs, students must perform well in four cluster subjects: Mathematics or Physics, English or Kiswahili, Chemistry, and Biology/Biological Science. Universities use these subjects to calculate the minimum cluster points required.
A student might achieve a mean grade of B- but still fail to meet the specific cluster points for nursing at a given university.
Comparing Nursing Cluster Points Across Universities
Universities in Kenya set varying minimum cluster points for nursing programs. Below is a comparison of cluster points and additional requirements across several institutions:
| University | Cluster Points | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Chuka University | 39.937 | C+ mean grade, C+ in English, Mathematics/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Daystar University | 38.642 | C+ mean grade, C+ in English, Mathematics/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Egerton University | 41.338 | C+ mean grade, C+ in English, Mathematics/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Kabarak University | 40.805 | C+ mean grade, C+ in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Kenya Methodist University | 39.353 | C+ mean grade, C+ in English/Kiswahili, Mathematics/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Kibabii University | 35.982 | C+ mean grade, C+ in English/Kiswahili, Maths/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Kirinyaga University | 38.403 | C+ mean grade, C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics. |
| Kisii University | 40.431 | C+ mean grade, C+ in Maths/Physics, English/Kiswahili, Biology, and Chemistry. |
| Masinde Muliro University of Science | 40.996 | C+ mean grade, C (plain) in cluster subjects, or two principal A-level passes. |
| Meru University of Science and Technology | 38.992 | C+ mean grade, C+ in Maths/Physics, English/Kiswahili, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Pwani University | 38.879 | C+ mean grade, C+ in cluster subjects. |
| University of Embu | 38.848 | C+ mean grade, C+ in cluster subjects. |
| University of Kabianga | 38.931 | C+ mean grade, C+ in Maths, English/Kiswahili, Chemistry, and Biology. |
| Uzima University | 37.503 | C+ mean grade, C+ in English/Kiswahili, Maths/Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. |
Calculating Cluster Points
Cluster points for nursing are calculated using a weighted formula that evaluates performance in the four required subjects. The formula used by KUCCPS is:
W=(RM×APISPI)×48W = \sqrt{\left(\frac{R}{M} \times \frac{API}{SPI}\right) \times 48}W=(MR×SPIAPI)×48
Where:
- W is the Weighted Cluster Point.
- R is the Raw Cluster Performance Index.
- M is the Maximum Performance Index.
- API is the Aggregate Performance Index.
- SPI is the Standardized Performance Index.
To calculate:
- Add the points for the four cluster subjects.
- Divide by 48 (maximum possible points).
- Calculate the aggregate performance as a fraction of 84.
- Multiply the two results and find the square root.
- Multiply the square root by 48 to obtain the weighted cluster points.
Each grade in the KCSE has a point equivalent (e.g., A = 12, E = 1). The maximum score for four subjects is 48.
Insights on Laikipia University
Laikipia University, originally a constituent college of Egerton University, became a full-fledged university in 2013. It was founded in 1929 by William Thomas Alfred Levet, a British colonial farmer and educationist. The institution offers various courses, each with specific cluster points for admission.
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Final Thoughts
Aspiring nursing students must meet the minimum cluster points set by their preferred universities. These points are derived from performance in Mathematics or Physics, English or Kiswahili, Chemistry, and Biology/Biological Science. Proper preparation and understanding of these requirements can significantly improve one’s chances of gaining admission to a nursing program in Kenya.
