The 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results have been released, and national schools have emerged as top performers.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced the results on January 9, 2025, at Mitihani House in Nairobi. This year, 962,512 candidates sat for the exams, with a notable focus on how national schools fared.
National schools secured an impressive 81.22% of all Grade A scores. They also demonstrated strong performance in the A- and B+ categories. A total of 1,375 students from national schools achieved an A grade, while 4,611 students earned A- grades. Furthermore, 6,947 students scored B+. This performance highlights the effectiveness of national schools in preparing students for academic success.
Teachers and students at Moi High School Kabarak on January 9, 2025, carry Nyaribari Michelle Kwamboka, who scored A Plain (82 points) and Linda Jerop A- (minus 74 points) as they celebrate the 2024 KCSE results. More than 30 candidates from the school scored A (plain) Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
Cabinet Secretary Ogamba emphasised the government’s commitment to advancing higher education opportunities. He stated that the KCSE results reflect improvements in educational standards across the country.
The increase in candidates this year also indicates a growing interest in secondary education.
Despite the successes of national schools, the overall performance revealed challenges within the education system. Reports indicated that 712,537 students did not achieve the minimum grade of C+, which is required for university admission. This statistic raises concerns about educational equity and access to quality learning resources.
The KCSE exams were conducted from October 22 to November 22, 2024, across 10,755 centres nationwide. The increase in candidates reflects a rise in enrolment rates and a commitment to education among Kenyan youth.
However, the results also highlighted significant disparities between national and local schools.
In addition to national schools, some regional institutions also performed exceptionally well.
For instance, Mbita High School in Homa Bay County recorded 18 candidates achieving A grades. Similarly, Maranda High School in Siaya County excelled with 206 students earning A grades. These achievements underscore the potential for excellence across various types of schools.
The KNEC has worked hard to maintain the integrity of the examination process. However, this year saw some challenges related to exam malpractice. The results of 840 candidates were nullified due to confirmed cases of cheating.
Additionally, the results of 2,899 candidates have been withheld pending investigations into allegations of malpractice.
The government is taking these issues seriously and has promised to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. Ensuring a fair examination process is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the education system.
Students can access their results online through the KNEC portal at results.knec.ac.ke. They need to enter their index number and registered name to view their scores. However, some candidates faced difficulties accessing their results due to high traffic on the website immediately after the announcement.
Despite these challenges, many students and parents expressed pride in their achievements. The KCSE results serve as a significant milestone for students completing their secondary education journey. For those who did not meet university entry requirements, there are alternative pathways available through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
As stakeholders reflect on this year’s KCSE results, it is clear that more work is needed to address disparities within the education system. National schools have demonstrated their ability to produce top performers consistently.
However, local schools require additional support and resources to improve their performance.
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged these challenges and is committed to implementing targeted interventions for underperforming schools. This includes providing additional training for teachers and improving school infrastructure.
In conclusion, while national schools have excelled in the KCSE 2024 results, there are significant challenges that need addressing within Kenya’s education system. The disparities between different types of schools highlight the need for equitable access to quality education for all students.
As discussions about educational reforms continue, all stakeholders need to work together towards a common goal: ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
The future of Kenya’s education system depends on our ability to address these challenges head-on while fostering an environment where every learner can thrive.