By The Numbers: How Many KCSE 2024 Candidates Got As
246,391 candidates scored direct entry to university grades of above C+ compared to 201,133 in 2023
Marvin Chege 
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has released the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KSCE) exam results. This was done at the Mitihani House in Nairobi during an event.
962,512 sat for the national examinations that concluded on November 22, 2024. Out of which, 1,693 candidates obtained the highest grade of A.
"Today we are releasing the 2024 KCSE results for the 962,512 candidates, all of whom we have cleared to join various higher learning institutions to pursue careers of their choice," Ogamba announced.
He commended the learners and attributed the performance to the new grading system that was implemented in 2023. In the new system, only two mandatory subjects; Mathematics and one language (either English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language) are used to compute the mean grade as compared to the previous structure that considered five subjects across three cluster groups. This included Maths, English, Kiswahili, Science and a humanities subject.
Education CS Julius Ogamba speaking during a stakeholders forum at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development on December 19, 2024. /JULIUS OGAMBA
The Statistics
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.
246,391 candidates scored direct entry to university grades of above C+ compared to 201,133 in 2023. Further, the number of candidates with grade C- is 476,889 (49.41 per cent) compared to 401,216 (44.2 per cent) in 2023.
Those who attained a D+ and above were 605,774 (62.76 per cent) compared to 526,222 (58.22 per cent) in the previous examinations. Candidates who scored a mean grade E were 48,333; comprising 20,112 women and 28,221 men.
CS Ogamba however confirmed that results for 2,829 candidates were withheld pending completion of investigations over malpractices. 91 teachers are facing disciplinary action over malpractices. The total number of examination results cancelled for irregularities was 840.
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.
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.
Before releasing the results, CS Ogamba presented them to President William Ruto in State House, Nairobi with Ruto noting an improvement in the education sector. "We are glad that our education system keeps improving as we enrich the curriculum, hire more teachers and equip our schools with more learning materials and facilities. Consequently, performance is improving in schools all over the country," Ruto noted.
To combat fears of examination leakage and cheating in this year's exams, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) together with the Education Ministry put in place robust measures. For instance, the 2024 KCSE exams featured personalised papers that included candidates' details such as their names, index numbers, and even schools in a pre-printed format.
Further, CS Ogamba revealed the establishment of special courts to deal with persons charged with engaging in examination malpractices. Despite the staunch measures, the 2024 KCSE examinations were marred by numerous claims of exam irregularities ranging from cheating to distributing fake exam material.
Teachers were also at the centre of these irregularities after cases emerged of teachers aiding in cheating by leaking examination material. Further, cases of poor pay for exam invigilators, examination centre managers, and examination markers were also rife.
Additionally, the examinations were marred by tragic events with students in different schools across the country dying due to various causes.
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) announced the registration dates for the 2025 examinations. CEO David Njengere confirmed. KNEC will commence registration for the 2025 KPSEA on January 27, 2025, and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment and KCSE on February 17, 2025.
Subjects performance
How the boys & girls performed
Registration for 2025 examinations
