The Ministry of Education has officially released the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results, revealing a notable improvement in overall performance and a rise in the number of candidates qualifying for university admission.
Speaking on Friday at AIC Chebisas High School in Eldoret, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced that 993,226 candidates sat the 2025 KCSE examinations, an increase from 962,512 candidates in 2024. This represents an additional 30,714 candidates, translating to a 3.19 per cent growth in candidature.
Subject Performance Trends
According to data from the ministry, 17 subjects recorded improved performance, matching the number of subjects that improved in 2024. However, 11 subjects posted a decline, slightly higher than the ten subjects that declined in the previous year.
Top Grades and University Entry
A total of 1,932 candidates (0.19 per cent) attained the highest grade of A (plain), marking an increase from 1,693 candidates (0.18 per cent) in 2024.
Candidates who achieved the minimum university entry grade of C+ and above rose to 270,715 (27.18 per cent), compared to 246,391 (25.53 per cent) in 2024.
Similarly:
- 507,131 candidates (50.92 per cent) scored C– and above, up from 476,889 (49.41 per cent) last year.
- 634,082 candidates (63.67 per cent) attained D+ and above, an increase from 605,774 (62.76 per cent) in 2024.
School Category Performance
National schools led in top-grade performance, producing 1,526 A (plain) grades. They were followed by Extra County schools with 197 A grades, and private schools with 185.
At the mid-performance level, Sub-County schools outperformed County schools in the number of candidates attaining C+ and above, recording 72,699 qualifiers compared to 36,600 from County schools.
Examination Irregularities
On examination integrity, CS Ogamba disclosed that 1,180 candidates were implicated in examination irregularities.
“Consequently, and in line with the applicable law and regulations, their examination results have been cancelled,” he said.
The Ministry noted that enforcement of exam regulations remains a priority to safeguard the credibility of national examinations.
