Kenya Opens University Doors to Refugees Without Traditional School Certificates
Kakuma, 23 May 2026
A groundbreaking international qualification called G12++ will allow thousands of refugees in Kenya’s Kakuma and Dadaab camps to access higher education without KCSE certificates. Developed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment and unveiled at London’s Education World Forum in May 2026, the programme assesses critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than traditional exam results. With only 9% of refugees globally accessing higher education compared to 42% worldwide, this initiative could transform opportunities for Kenya’s 954,000 displaced people.
Understanding the G12++ Qualification Programme
The G12++ programme represents a fundamental shift from traditional assessment methods, focusing on practical capabilities rather than memorised curriculum content [1][2]. Unlike the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), this qualification assesses critical thinking, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and practical understanding of real-life situations [2]. The programme operates as a curriculum-agnostic system, meaning students do not need to follow any specific national education framework [2]. This approach mirrors Kenya’s existing Recognition of Prior Learning framework (RPLF), providing a structured pathway for learners whose formal education has been disrupted by conflict or displacement [1].
Programme Development and International Testing
Cambridge University Press & Assessment developed G12++ in partnership with the Alsama Project, with the qualification already tested successfully at Lebanon’s Shatila refugee camp [1][2]. The programme was officially unveiled during the Education World Forum held from 17 May to 20 May 2026 in London, where partners signed the policy framework for global expansion [2]. Jane Mann, Managing Director for Partnership for Education at Cambridge, explained the programme’s mission: “When young people are forced to leave school and flee, it’s not only their past they leave behind, but their future too. Working with Alsama Project, we will help them take back their futures through a new global qualification that will open pathways to universities, vocational programmes and employment” [1].
Scale of Impact Across Kenya’s Refugee Settlements
The programme will serve Kenya’s substantial refugee population, which totals over 954,000 forcibly displaced people according to 2025 reports [1][2]. Dadaab Refugee Complex hosts over 420,000 refugees and asylum seekers, whilst Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlements accommodate approximately 305,000 people [1][2]. These figures represent a significant portion of the global displacement crisis, which has reached 117.3 million people worldwide, including 49 million children [1]. The educational disparity facing these communities is stark: only 9% of refugees globally access higher education, compared to a global average of 42% [1].
Removing Traditional Barriers to Higher Education
Meike Ziervogel, Co-Founder and CEO of Alsama Project, emphasised that academic ability has never been the limiting factor for refugee students: “The barrier has never been ability. What has been missing is recognition. The G12++ exists to change that” [1]. The qualification provides an alternative pathway for learners who may have missed years of formal schooling due to displacement, conflict, or limited access to educational resources in camp settings [1][2]. Rather than requiring students to complete traditional secondary school exit examinations, the programme evaluates their existing knowledge and skills through practical assessments [2]. This approach acknowledges that many refugee learners possess valuable capabilities and knowledge gained through life experiences, even without formal certification [1][2].