KCSE 2025 shows gains, but deep disparities persist as students weigh next steps
By Chemtai Kirui
Nairobi, Jan. 12 — The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results show modest improvements in overall performance, while longstanding disparities across school categories and regions persist as the country navigates major education reforms.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced the results on Jan. 9 in Eldoret, saying 270,715 candidates — about 27.2% of the 993,226 who sat the examination — attained the minimum C+ grade required for direct university entry, up from 246,391 candidates, or 25.5%, in 2024.
A total of 1,932 candidates scored grade A (plain), an increase from the previous year, according to figures released by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
KNEC data showed that the share of candidates scoring D+ and above rose to 63.7% in 2025 from 62.8% in 2024, while the proportion achieving C– and above also increased, pointing to gradual improvement rather than a sharp performance shift.
Education analysts said the results suggest steady progress following pandemic-related disruptions, though gains remain uneven.
Performance patterns once again reflected differences linked to school category and resources.
National schools accounted for the largest share of top grades, contributing 1,526 A (plain) results, while sub-county schools recorded more candidates attaining C+ and above than county schools, with 72,699 compared with 36,600.
Female candidates slightly outnumbered male candidates and, in some subjects, posted stronger average results.
“These outcomes continue to mirror resource and infrastructure gaps across the system,” said an education analyst, adding that the school environment remains a strong determinant of performance.
Preliminary subject analysis showed Mathematics among the stronger-performing subjects, with 17 subjects registering gains compared with declines in 11 others, showcasing mixed learning outcomes.
Several national and extra-county schools, including Moi High School Kabarak and Kapsabet Boys High School, posted strong mean scores, while some county and day schools also recorded improvements, broadening the pool of competitive institutions.
KNEC said 1,180 candidates had their results cancelled due to examination irregularities, up from 840 in 2024, indicating ongoing challenges in safeguarding exam integrity.
Girls accounted for 50.46% of candidates, with female participation exceeding male participation in 14 counties, reflecting gradual progress toward gender parity in secondary education access.
Despite the rise in university-qualifying candidates, more than 700,000 learners did not meet the C+ threshold, reinforcing the importance of alternative post-secondary pathways.
Education officials have urged students to consider technical and vocational education and training (TVET) options, citing growing demand for technical skills in sectors such as construction, manufacturing and digital services.
The 2025 KCSE cohort sits at a pivotal moment, as the country transitions away from the 8-4-4 education system and expands competency-based approaches at higher levels.
Policymakers say sustained investment in teachers, infrastructure and targeted support for underperforming schools will be critical to translating incremental gains into more equitable outcomes in future examination cycles.
