On January 7, 2025, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) released the much-anticipated results for the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).
This year, 965,512 candidates sat for the exams, marking a significant increase from previous years. The results have sparked widespread celebrations and discussions about the state of education in Kenya.
The results were announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba at Mitihani House in Nairobi. He expressed pride in the candidates’ performance and highlighted improvements in various areas of education.
The announcement was made in the presence of education stakeholders and media representatives.
The statistics from the KCSE 2024 exams reveal both achievements and areas needing attention. Of the total candidates, 1,693 students achieved the top grade of A, representing only 0.18% of all candidates. The mean grade distribution showed that most students scored between C and D, indicating a need for further support in academic performance. Notably, this year saw a slight improvement in gender parity.
There were 482,202 female candidates compared to 480,310 male candidates, demonstrating progress towards equal access to education.
The KCSE examinations took place across 10,755 centres nationwide. This extensive reach underscores the commitment to providing educational opportunities to students in both urban and rural areas. However, disparities remain, with certain regions performing better than others. The exams were conducted from October 22 to November 22, 2024.
This period is critical for students as it marks the culmination of their secondary education journey. The results were released just over a month after the exams concluded, allowing students to quickly understand their performance.
The KCSE results are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they determine university admissions for students who achieve a grade of C+ or higher.
Those with lower grades can still pursue vocational training at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. This system aligns with Kenya’s broader goals for economic development and workforce readiness.
Moreover, the results provide insights into trends within Kenya’s education system. For instance, there has been a noticeable focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects this year. Performance in mathematics and physics improved by 15%, reflecting government efforts to enhance STEM education.
Candidates can check their results online via the KNEC portal at results.knec.ac.ke. They need to enter their index number and registered name as per their examination data. Unlike previous years, there is no SMS option available for result checking this time around.
Despite the successes celebrated by many, challenges remain evident in this year’s KCSE results. Reports of examination malpractice surfaced during the exam period. Allegations included cheating and distribution of fake materials. The KNEC has implemented measures to combat these issues but acknowledges that more work is needed.
Additionally, there were tragic incidents reported during the examination period, including student fatalities due to various causes. These events have raised concerns about student welfare and safety during such critical times.
The KCSE 2024 results reflect both triumphs and challenges within Kenya’s educational landscape. While many students celebrate their achievements, others face uncertainty regarding their future educational paths.
As Kenya continues to reform its education system, it is essential to address disparities and support all learners equitably.
The government’s commitment to improving educational outcomes is evident through various initiatives aimed at enhancing access and quality. As stakeholders reflect on this year’s results, they must focus on creating an inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
As we celebrate these achievements, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the challenges ahead. Ensuring that no learner is left behind should be a collective goal for all involved in Kenya’s education system.
