The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2024 results have been released, marking a significant milestone for over 960,000 candidates who sat for the exams. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos unveiled the detailed results in a ceremony that highlighted improvements in the examination process and critical reforms for the future.
Key Highlights from KCSE 2024
- Total Candidates: 962,512
- Male Candidates: 480,310
- Female Candidates: 482,202 (first time females outnumbered males)
- Examination Centres: 10,755
- Examiners: 32,800 (up from 29,876 in 2023)
- Reported Malpractices: 621 cases across 198 centres
Improved Infrastructure for Education
The Ministry of Education, under CS Migos, emphasized its commitment to ensuring all Grade 8 learners transition to Grade 9. This year, 14,500 classrooms were constructed, with the target of 16,000 expected to be achieved by the end of the month. The expansion aims to accommodate the growing number of learners and ensure equitable access to education.
Introduction of Mid-Year KCSE Exams
In a landmark announcement, CS Migos revealed that the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will introduce a mid-year KCSE exam series starting in July 2025. This initiative will benefit candidates who missed exams due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or emergencies.
KCSE 2024 Grades Distribution
A comprehensive breakdown of the grades highlights the performance of candidates across the country:
| Grade | Number of Students | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1,693 | 1,137 | 556 |
| A- | 7,743 | 4,903 | 2,840 |
| B+ | 19,150 | 11,042 | 8,108 |
| B | 43,120 | 23,339 | 19,781 |
| B- | 75,347 | 39,950 | 35,397 |
| C+ | 99,338 | 48,940 | 50,397 |
| C | 111,717 | 53,769 | 57,948 |
| C- | 118,781 | 56,175 | 62,606 |
| D+ | 128,885 | 60,088 | 68,797 |
| D | 153,334 | 73,501 | 79,832 |
| D- | 151,487 | 79,306 | 72,181 |
| E | 48,333 | 28,221 | 20,112 |
Gender Parity: A Historic Milestone
For the first time in Kenya’s history, female candidates outnumbered their male counterparts in the KCSE exams. This marks a significant shift in gender parity in education, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity.
Trends and Observations
- Top Performers:
The number of candidates achieving an A grade was 1,693, with males significantly outperforming females (1,137 vs. 556). However, the distribution across other grades shows females edging out males in some categories, such as C+ and C. - Majority of Candidates in D Category:
The highest concentration of candidates was in the D grade category (D, D+), with over 280,000 students scoring between D and D-. - Pass Rate and Opportunities for Advancement:
CS Migos confirmed that all candidates, regardless of their grades, have pathways to higher education and vocational training.
Examination Integrity: A Cleaner Process
Dr. David Njengere, CEO of KNEC, affirmed that there were no cases of early exposure of exam papers in 2023 and 2024. However, 621 cases of examination malpractices were reported, involving 198 centres. The Ministry is working to enhance monitoring systems to curb such incidents in the future.
The Role of Examiners
With 32,800 examiners contracted, the marking process was swift and efficient. This increase in examiners ensured timely delivery of results, a significant improvement from previous years.
Future Prospects for KCSE Candidates
CS Migos announced that all candidates are cleared to join various higher learning institutions. With the new mid-year KCSE exam series, learners who may wish to improve their grades or were unable to sit for their exams due to emergencies will now have a second chance.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Education stakeholders have welcomed the introduction of mid-year KCSE exams, terming it a game-changer for students and parents alike. Teachers have praised the Ministry for increasing the number of classrooms and examiners, which they say will significantly improve education outcomes.
Conclusion
The release of the KCSE 2024 results is not only a celebration of the candidates’ hard work but also a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the education sector. With gender parity achieved, infrastructural advancements, and innovative reforms such as mid-year exams, the future of education in Kenya looks brighter than ever.
