Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has officially released the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results at Mitihani House.
The results revealed significant milestones in candidate performance and demographic participation.
Over 962,000 candidates to transition
A total of 962,512 candidates sat the 2024 KCSE examinations. According to CS Ogamba, “All the candidates will transition to institutions of higher learning.”
Notably, this year recorded a higher number of female candidates (482,202) compared to males (480,312), representing a 7.19% increase in female participation.
Additionally, candidates aged 16 and below increased from 16,040 in 2023 to 20,546 in 2024, while the majority (684,765) fell within the appropriate age bracket of 17 to 19 years.
Those aged 20 years and above constituted 259,861 candidates.
Subjects performance
Out of the 30 subjects examined, 17 recorded improved performance, including Mathematics (Alternative A and B), Biology, Chemistry, Physics, History, and Geography. Other subjects that improved include Computer Studies, Agriculture, and Business Studies.
Conversely, 10 subjects recorded a drop in performance, such as English, Kiswahili, CRE, and Music.
Gender performance analysis
Female candidates outperformed males in seven subjects, including English, Kiswahili, CRE, and Home Science. Male candidates, however, excelled in 23 subjects, notably Mathematics, Physics, Geography, and Computer Studies.
READ: KNEC introduces mid-year KCSE exams, first cohort to start in July
Improved grading system
The 2024 results were graded using the revised system, which considers Mathematics, the best-performed language, and the top five additional subjects. This contributed to an increase in candidates obtaining top grades.
A total of 1,693 candidates achieved Grade A in 2024 compared to 1,216 in 2023.
Those attaining university entry grades of C+ and above rose to 246,391 from 201,133 in 2023, while TVET diploma qualifications (C- and above) increased to 476,889.
2,829 results have been withheld pending investigations on exam irregulations while 840 candidates have had their results cancelled for cheating.
Commending resilience
The 2024 candidates were the first cohort whose academic journey was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. CS Ogamba commended their perseverance.
Registration for 2025 examinations
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) announced the registration dates for 2025 examinations. CEO David Njengere confirmed.
KNEC will commence registration of the 2025 KPSEA on January 27, 2025, and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment and KCSE on February 17, 2025.
