Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has officially released the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results. The announcement was made at Mitihani House in Nairobi during a well-attended event.
A total of 962,512 candidates sat for the national examinations, which concluded on November 22, 2024. Among them, 1,693 candidates achieved the coveted grade of A.
“Today, we are releasing the 2024 KCSE results for the 962,512 candidates, all of whom we have cleared to join various higher learning institutions to pursue careers of their choice,” CS Ogamba stated.
New Grading System Boosts Performance
The CS attributed the improved performance to the new grading system implemented in 2023. This system considers only two mandatory subjects—Mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenya Sign Language)—to compute the mean grade, replacing the previous system that factored in five subjects from three cluster groups, including sciences and humanities.
Gender and Age Dynamics
Female candidates outnumbered their male counterparts, with 482,202 female candidates compared to 480,312 males, marking a 7.19% increase in female participation. The number of candidates aged 16 and below rose from 16,040 in 2023 to 20,546 in 2024. Most candidates (684,765) fell within the 17–19 age bracket, while 259,861 were aged 20 and above.
Notable Academic Achievements
- University Eligibility: 246,391 candidates scored C+ and above, securing direct entry to university. This marks an increase from 201,133 in 2023.
- Improved Grades: The number of candidates scoring C- rose to 476,889 (49.41%) compared to 401,216 (44.2%) in 2023.
- D+ and Above: 605,774 candidates (62.76%) attained D+ and above, compared to 526,222 (58.22%) in the previous year.
- Grade E Scores: 48,333 candidates received a mean grade of E, comprising 20,112 females and 28,221 males.
Malpractices and Disciplinary Measures
CS Ogamba confirmed that results for 2,829 candidates were withheld pending investigations into alleged malpractices. Additionally, 91 teachers are under disciplinary review, and 840 candidates had their results canceled due to irregularities.
To combat cheating, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) introduced personalised examination papers bearing candidates’ names, index numbers, and school details. Special courts have also been established to handle cases related to examination malpractices.
Subject Performance Highlights
Of the 30 subjects examined, 17 showed improved performance, including Mathematics (both alternatives), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, and Geography. Female candidates outperformed males in seven subjects, including English, Kiswahili, and Home Science. Conversely, male candidates excelled in 23 subjects, such as Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Studies.
Ogamba said during the year 2024 KCSE examination, 14 counties had a significant entry of more male than female candidates. These were: Garissa (62.83%:37.17%), Mandera (63.83%:36.17%), Wajir (60.27%: 39.73%), Turkana (59.64%: 40.36%), Samburu (53.41%: 46.59%), Narok (52.77%: 47.23%), Homabay (52.81%: 47.19%), West Pokot (53.52%: 46.48%), Mombasa (51.31%: 48.83%), Migori (51.02%: 48.98%), Embu (51.09%: 48.91%), Kisii (51.03%: 48.97%), Nyamira (51.39%: 48.61%) and Baringo (51.67%: 48.69%).
He added that 14 Counties had a significant entry of more female than male candidates: Vihiga (55.15%: 44.85%), Elgeyo Marakwet (53.76%: 46.24%), Kirinyaga (51.46%: 48.54%), Meru (51.69%: 48.31%), Kiambu (52.78%: 47.22%), Nairobi (52.41%: 47.59%), Kisumu (52.39%: 47.61%), Kitui (51.14%: 48.86%), Taita Taveta (51.45%: 48.55%), Kwale (53.31%: 46.69%), Isiolo (52.11%: 47.89%), Tharaka Nithi (52.06%: 47.94%), Kakamega (51.80%: 48.20%) and Uasin Gishu (51.06%: 48.94).
These subjects were Mathematics Alt. A & B, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History & Government, Geography, IRE, Agriculture, Woodwork, Metal Work, Drawing & Design, Aviation Technology, Computer Studies, Kenyan Sign Language and Business Studies.
Challenges and Tragic Incidents
The 2024 KCSE examinations were overshadowed by reports of irregularities and challenges. Cases of teacher involvement in cheating, poor remuneration for invigilators and markers, and tragic incidents involving student deaths in various schools were noted.
Remarks from the President
Prior to the release, CS Ogamba presented the results to President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi. The President expressed optimism about the education sector, citing ongoing efforts to enrich the curriculum, hire more teachers, and improve learning facilities.
“We are glad that our education system keeps improving, resulting in better performance across the country,” President Ruto remarked.
Individual candidate results, the minister said, would be available on the Knec website, the CS advised any candidates with trouble accessing them through the website to use the toll-free number 0800724900 or 0800721410.
Registration for 2025 Examinations
KNEC CEO David Njengere announced the registration schedule for the 2025 national exams. The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) registration will begin on January 27, 2025, while registration for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment and KCSE will start on February 17, 2025.
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