The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, highlighting remarkable growth in candidate participation and performance trends.

Candidate Numbers Surge
A record 965,172 students registered for the 2024 exams, reflecting a 7.19% rise from 2023’s total of 903,138 candidates. The gender distribution was nearly equal, with females making up 50.10% (483,523) and males 49.90% (481,649).

Performance Overview
This year, 1,693 students achieved an A grade, accounting for 0.18% of the candidates. Most candidates earned grades between C+ and D+, reinforcing Kenya’s broad-based approach to secondary education.

The grade breakdown is as follows:

• A: 1,693 candidates (0.18%)
• C+ and above (university-eligible): 148,021 candidates (15.34%)
• D and below: 334,821 candidates (34.68%)

Male candidates outperformed females in top grades, with 1,137 males scoring A compared to 556 females.

County Highlights
Nairobi led in the number of candidates, with 32,673 sitting the exams, slightly favoring females (52.41%). Counties like Kwale (53.31%) and Isiolo (52.11%) had the highest female representation, while Garissa (37.17%) and Wajir (39.73%) had the lowest.

Age Trends
The largest segment of candidates, 54.85%, were aged 18 to 19, the typical age for secondary school completion. This trend underscores the consistent progression of students through the education system.

School Categories and Performance
National schools produced 81.22% of all A grades, showcasing their dominance in academic excellence. Sub-county schools, accommodating the highest number of students, were primarily associated with grades between D+ and D.

Gender and Regional Disparities
While many counties showed progress in gender parity, some regions, particularly in the north, revealed gaps that require targeted interventions to improve educational access for girls.

Looking Ahead
Education leaders have praised the growing participation and results as milestones for Kenya’s education system. However, calls for addressing regional and gender disparities remain strong. The Ministry of Education plans to analyze these results further to inform future policies.

What’s Next for Candidates?
Candidates who attained C+ and above are now eligible for university placement, while others can enroll in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, demonstrating Kenya’s commitment to diverse career pathways.

Students are advised to check the KNEC portal or visit their schools for more information.