Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba officially released the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam results during an event at Mitihani House, Nairobi. A total of 962,512 candidates participated in the exams, which concluded on November 22, 2024.
Key Achievements
Among the candidates, 1,693 attained the prestigious grade of A, reflecting a commendable performance under the revised grading system introduced in 2023. The system now considers Mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenya Sign Language) as mandatory for calculating the mean grade, replacing the broader evaluation criteria of five subjects from three cluster groups.
CS Ogamba applauded this year’s candidates, stating, “We have cleared all 962,512 students to join higher learning institutions to pursue careers of their choice.”
Gender and Age Participation Trends
This year saw an encouraging rise in female participation, with 482,202 female candidates compared to 480,312 males—a 7.19% increase in female involvement. Notably, the number of candidates aged 16 and below grew from 16,040 in 2023 to 20,546 in 2024, signaling the inclusivity of younger learners in the education system.
Performance Analysis
- University Entry: 246,391 candidates achieved the C+ grade and above required for university admission, an increase from 201,133 in 2023.
- Grade Distribution:
- Candidates scoring C- rose to 476,889 (49.41%) from 401,216 (44.2%) in 2023.
- Those attaining D+ and above reached 605,774 (62.76%), up from 526,222 (58.22%) the previous year.
- 48,333 candidates scored a mean grade E, with 20,112 being female and 28,221 male.
Subject Performance
Out of 30 subjects tested, 17 showed improvement, including Mathematics (Alternative A and B), Biology, Physics, History, and Computer Studies. However, subjects such as English, Kiswahili, and CRE saw a decline.
Female students excelled in seven subjects, including English, Kiswahili, and Home Science, while male students dominated in 23 subjects, such as Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Studies.
Challenges and Malpractices
Despite rigorous measures by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to curb exam irregularities, results for 2,829 candidates were withheld pending investigations. A total of 91 teachers are under disciplinary action, and 840 results were canceled for malpractice. Personalized exam papers featuring candidates’ details were among the measures introduced to enhance integrity.
CS Ogamba revealed that special courts have been set up to handle exam malpractice cases, further emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to integrity.
Education Sector Insights
President William Ruto, upon receiving the results earlier at State House Nairobi, commended the education sector’s progress. “Our curriculum enhancements, increased teacher recruitment, and improved school facilities are driving better outcomes across the country,” he noted.
However, concerns arose over challenges such as low pay for exam officials and tragic incidents of student deaths during the examination period.
Looking Ahead
KNEC CEO David Njengere announced key dates for the 2025 examination registrations:
- KPSEA: Begins January 27, 2025
- Kenya Junior School Education Assessment & KCSE: Starts February 17, 2025
The 2024 KCSE results underscore the milestones and ongoing challenges in Kenya’s education system, highlighting a commitment to reform and equitable access to quality education.
