By Faith Anene, Nairobi
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary School (KCSE) 2024 examinations has been released by the Education Cabinet Secretary Dr Julius Ogamba.
Ogamba while releasing the results at the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) headquarters – Nairobi said that the 2024 results had showed a steady improvement in performance following the review of the grading system.
This year, a total of 962,512 candidates sat for the exams, a significant increase from the 899,453 candidates who sat for the 2023 exams, marking a clear upward trend in participation.
Dr Ogamba said that a total of 1,693 candidates got Grade A (Plain), a remarkable increase from 1,216 in 2023.
“The number of students qualifying for direct university entry saw a rise, with 246,391 candidates (25.53 per cent) attaining Grade C+ and above. This is a significant increase from 201,133 candidates (22.27 per cent) in 2023,” said the Education Cabinet Secretary.
In a historic first, female candidates outnumbered male candidates in the 2024 KCSE exams. Of the total 962,512 candidates, 482,202 were female, making up 50.1 percent of the total, while male candidates numbered 780,310, or 49.1 percent.
He went on: “There was also a notable improvement in the number of students eligible for admission to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. A total of 476,889 candidates (49.41 percent) attained Grade C- and above, a jump from 401,216 candidates (44.2 per cent) in 2023. This growing trend suggests a shift towards equipping students with practical skills that are vital in today’s job market,”
Ogamba said that a total of 605,774 candidates (62 per cent) achieved a pass grade of D+ and above, compared to 526,222 candidates (58.02 per cent) in 2023.
In a historic first, female candidates outnumbered male candidates in the 2024 KCSE exams. Of the total 962,512 candidates, 482,202 were female, making up 50.1 percent of the total, while male candidates numbered 780,310, or 49.1 percent.
Dr Ogamba announced that a total of 840 candidates had their results cancelled due to involvement in exam irregularities. In addition, the results of 2,829 candidates has been withheld pending further investigations into suspected exam malpractice.
The government has also taken strict action against invigilators who aided in cheating, with 91 invigilators set to face disciplinary charges for facilitating examination cheating
“The results reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and parents,” Dr. Ogamba said. “It is a testament to the resilience and commitment of the Kenyan educational system as we strive to provide equitable opportunities for all learners.”
