On Thursday, January 9, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba officially released the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results at the Mitihani House in Nairobi. The announcement marked a significant milestone for the education sector, reflecting both progress and challenges encountered during the examination period.
1,693 candidates scored straight As, which represents the highest level of academic achievement in the exams. 246,391 candidates obtained direct university entry grades, which typically refers to a minimum grade of C+ (as per the Kenyan university entry requirements).
CS Ogamba revealed that a total of 962,512 candidates sat for the nationwide examinations, which concluded on November 22, 2024. This figure represents a 7.19% increase from the 899,453 candidates who undertook the exams in 2023.
According to KNEC CEO David Njegere, this substantial growth is a rare occurrence, last recorded in 2020. The surge is attributed to improved school enrollment rates and targeted government policies aimed at enhancing access to education.
The 2024 KCSE results showcased notable improvements in academic performance. Seventeen subjects, including Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, recorded enhanced results compared to the previous year.
However, ten subjects, such as English and Home Science, saw a decline in performance. CS Ogamba commended students for their hard work and urged educators to identify and address challenges in the underperforming areas.
One of the highlights of the announcement was the increase in the number of candidates achieving university entry grades. A total of 246,391 students scored C+ and above, qualifying for direct university entry. This is a significant improvement compared to the 201,133 students who achieved similar grades in 2023.
Despite these successes, challenges persist. A total of 2,829 candidates had their results withheld due to suspected examination malpractices. Investigations are ongoing to determine the final outcomes for these students. Additionally, 91 teachers are under disciplinary review for their alleged involvement in irregularities.
KNEC CEO David Njegere highlighted the effectiveness of new technologies implemented during the 2024 examination process, which helped curb early exposure to exam materials. This marks a positive shift in the fight against examination malpractice, fostering trust in the integrity of the education system.
In a groundbreaking announcement, CS Ogamba introduced a mid-year series of KCSE examinations, set to commence in 2024. The new initiative, developed after extensive stakeholder consultations, is designed for candidates wishing to retake the exams.
This innovation offers a second chance for students aiming to improve their grades, ensuring greater flexibility in Kenya’s education framework.
“Starting this year, KNEC will introduce a mid-year series of the KCSE examination. It will target candidates wishing to repeat the examination,” Ogamba stated. This move is expected to reduce the waiting time for candidates and support the government’s objective of enhancing access to higher education opportunities.
President William Ruto also praised the education system’s progress, emphasizing the increased enrollment and retention of girls in schools. He noted that more girls are now completing their secondary education, a testament to the government’s efforts to promote gender equality in education.
“Consequently, performance is improving in schools all over the country. More girls, for instance, are now enrolling and completing their schooling,” the President stated.
The release of the 2024 KCSE results reflects Kenya’s ongoing strides toward a robust and inclusive education system. With a growing number of students achieving university entry grades and significant measures taken to curb exam malpractice, the future of the country’s education sector looks promising.
As stakeholders implement the newly introduced mid-year examinations and address challenges in subject performance, the nation continues to champion quality education for all.
