KCSE 2025 Results Show Steady Gains as More Candidates Qualify for University

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, 9 January 2026 - Kenya’s 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results point to modest but encouraging progress, with more candidates qualifying for university even as concerns over examination misconduct persist.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced the results on Friday at AIC Chebisas High School in Eldoret, revealing that 993,226 candidates sat the examinations. This marked an increase of 30,714 candidates from 2024, a rise of 3.19 per cent that reflects continued growth in secondary school enrolment.

Overall performance showed a mixed picture. Seventeen subjects recorded notable improvements, the same number as in the previous year, while 11 subjects registered a decline—one more than in 2024.

At the top end, 1,932 candidates, representing 0.19% of the cohort, attained a mean grade of A (plain), a slight increase from 1,693 candidates (0.18 per cent) last year.

More significantly, the number of learners qualifying for direct university entry continued to rise. A total of 270,715 candidates (27.18 per cent) scored a C+ and above, up from 246,391 (25.53 per cent) in 2024.

Those achieving C– and above increased to 507,131 (50.92%), while candidates with a pass grade of D+ and above rose to 634,082 (63.67%.

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School categories showed clear performance patterns. National schools produced the bulk of top achievers, accounting for 1,526 A (plain) grades.

Extra County schools followed with 197, while private schools recorded 185. At the middle tier, Sub-County schools outperformed County schools in producing candidates with C+ and above, recording 72,699 compared to 36,600.

However, the results were not without controversy. CS Ogamba disclosed that 1,180 candidates were involved in examination irregularities. “Consequently, and in line with the applicable law and regulations, their examination results have been cancelled,” he said.