Lugulu Girls High School has become the center of national attention following the release of its 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results. While the institution achieved impressive overall performance, reports of withheld results for 23 students have raised concerns among parents and stakeholders.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) initially withheld the school’s KCSE results, leading to two weeks of anxiety for students and parents. On Friday, January 17, 2025, the council finally released the results, bringing relief to the majority.
Out of the 676 students who sat for the exams, 13 attained a grade of A, 93 scored A-, and 191 achieved B+, reflecting the school’s commitment to academic excellence. An impressive 99.41% of the candidates qualified for university entry, with only four scoring below the minimum C+ requirement.
However, celebrations were tempered by allegations that 23 students had their results withheld, marked with a “Y.” According to KNEC, a “Y” result indicates that the council has withheld grades in one or more subjects, often due to suspected examination malpractice. The affected students were reportedly those who took music, sparking speculations about irregularities during the examinations.
Speaking at a celebratory event held on Saturday, January 18, school principal Dinnah Cheruiyot praised the students for their dedication and hard work. She commended both the students and teachers for the institution’s stellar performance, which surpassed its 2023 results. In 2023, the school recorded a mean grade of 9.328, producing one A plain and 63 A- grades.
“The grades are a clear reflection of the students’ hard work and the teachers’ dedication,” Cheruiyot remarked during her address.
Despite the celebrations, the principal acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the affected students and their families. She urged patience and assured the community that the school was actively pursuing the matter through official channels. Cheruiyot emphasized that KNEC had initiated investigations and was expected to conclude the process within 30 days, as announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ombaga.
Parents of the 23 affected students, however, expressed frustration and concern over the lack of communication regarding the issue. One parent, speaking anonymously to local media, accused the school of concealing the matter. Efforts by reporters to reach the principal for clarification were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages.
The withheld results form part of a larger national issue, as KNEC revealed that the results of 2,389 candidates from various schools were withheld due to alleged examination malpractice. The council’s strict stance on upholding the integrity of national exams has led to heightened scrutiny in recent years.
While the majority of Lugulu Girls’ candidates bask in their success, the uncertainty surrounding the withheld results casts a shadow over the celebrations. The situation highlights the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability within the education system.
As the investigation continues, stakeholders eagerly await KNEC’s findings and a resolution for the affected students. In the meantime, Lugulu Girls High School remains a beacon of academic excellence, celebrated for its remarkable performance even amidst challenges.
