The 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results marked a significant improvement in both subject performance and university admission rates.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba highlighted the enhanced performance in 17 out of the 30 subjects offered, signaling the success of recent educational reforms and a dedication to academic excellence.
Subjects that showed improvement included Mathematics Alternative A and B, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, and Computer Studies. Other subjects such as History and Government, Geography, IRE, Agriculture, Woodwork, Metal Work, Drawing and Design, Aviation Technology, Kenyan Sign Language, and Business Studies also recorded better results.
These achievements underscore a commendable effort by students and educators alike to elevate academic standards.
However, 10 subjects saw a decline in performance. Among these were English, Kiswahili, Kenyan Sign Language, French, Home Science, Christian Religious Education (CRE), and Art and Design. While this dip highlights areas needing attention, the overall positive trend in most subjects outweighs these challenges.
A notable highlight from the 2024 KCSE was the gender-specific performance. Female candidates excelled in at least seven subjects, demonstrating superior mean scores in areas such as English, Kiswahili, and Home Science.
Male candidates, on the other hand, outperformed their female counterparts in 23 subjects, including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, History, and Government, and technical disciplines like Woodwork, Metalwork, and Agriculture. This gender-based distinction offers valuable insights into subject preferences and potential areas for further gender balance in performance.
The 2024 KCSE results also reflected the impact of the revised grading system. The new approach considers three key components: Mathematics, the best-performed language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language), and the best-performed five subjects. This holistic grading strategy likely contributed to the overall improved results, fostering a more balanced academic evaluation.
The improved performance translated into higher university admissions. A total of 246,391 candidates qualified for direct university entry with a grade of C+ and above, a substantial increase from the 201,133 in 2023. This represents a 25.5% rise, signaling progress in academic preparedness.
Additionally, 476,889 candidates attained grades C- and above, qualifying for Technical and Vocational Educatmion and Training (TVET) programs, compared to 401,216 in 2023.
The 2024 KCSE results underscore Kenya’s strides toward better education standards and accessibility. While challenges remain in specific subjects, the overall improvement and increased university admissions are a testament to the country’s commitment to academic growth and youth empowerment.
