Opening Remarks and Greetings

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

I extend a warm welcome to:

• The Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, Ministry of Education, Ambassador Professor Julius Bitok
• Our area MP, Professor Phelix Odiwuor (also Chairperson of the Kenya National Examinations Council – KNEC)
• KNEC Chief Executive Officer, Dr. David Njengere
• Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Teachers Service Commission, Dr. Evelyn Mitei
• CEO of the Kenya Education Management Institute (KEMI), Dr. Marcia Wome
• Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

The Role of Examinations in Education and the Transition to Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)

Examinations and assessments have always stood at the heart of education. They serve not merely as a measure of learning but as a compass that guides the nation's future.

As the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination draws to a close with the phasing out of the 8-4-4 system, we recognize its historic role in shaping generations of learners.

Yet, education must always evolve to meet the demands of a dynamic world.

The transition to competency-based assessment marks a decisive step forward — one that shifts our focus from rote memorization to the demonstration of skills, values, and knowledge that empower

learners to thrive in the 21st century.

It is in this spirit of transition that we gather today to mark the release of the results of the third-to-last cohort to undertake the KCSE examination — even as we celebrate the progression of the very first cohort under competency-based education into senior school (starting Monday).

This moment stands as both a culmination of a long-standing tradition and the dawn of a new era, affirming our collective commitment to assessments that not only measure achievement but also nurture the competencies required for the future.

Gratitude to Stakeholders

I wish to extend my profound gratitude to all sector stakeholders who, year after year, have demonstrated unwavering dedication in:

• Preparing our KCSE candidates
• Ensuring the successful and seamless administration of national examinations

Their commitment has safeguarded the credibility of our examination system and upheld the high standards that define Kenya's education sector.

I particularly acknowledge the concerted efforts of colleagues across:

• The Ministry of Education
• The Ministry of Interior and National Administration
• The Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy
• The Teachers Service Commission

I also commend all centre managers, supervisors, invigilators, and security personnel for their integrity and diligence, which made this examination cycle a success.

Today, as we release results for 993,226 candidates, I register my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto for his trust and steadfast support in enabling our team to implement critical reforms in the education sector. These reforms aim to transform teaching and learning, nurture every learner's potential, and equip them with 21st-century skills and competencies.

Government Investments in Education Reforms

To strengthen the sector, the government has made significant strides:

• Employed a record 100,000 teachers since 2023 (including 24,000 this year)
• Promoted over 25,000 teachers to better prepare them for CBC rollout
• Retooled and reoriented teachers to the new system
• Expanded infrastructure: Built a record 23,000 classrooms in FY 2024/2025 to support Grade 9 transition
• Planned construction of 1,600 laboratories in senior schools this year to support practical learning
• Soon presenting a sessional paper and 11 education bills to Parliament for enactment, to entrench efficiency, effectiveness, and global competitiveness

To fulfill free and compulsory basic education:

• Released KSh 44.2 billion in capitation ahead of school opening (a first in history)
• School heads must use these funds prudently and avoid imposing extra levies on parents

At the tertiary level:

• Implementing a student-centred funding model (scholarships and loans based on need)
• Rationalized university fees by 15–40% (now ranging from KSh 5,800 to KSh 75,000 per semester depending on program)
• Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for placement in universities or TVET institutions once the process opens

2025 KCSE Examination Overview

• 993,226 candidates sat the exam (up from 962,512 in 2024 — an increase of 30,714 or 3.19%)
• Gender breakdown:
• Males: 492,012 (49.54%)
• Females: 501,214 (50.46%)
• This is the second consecutive year females outnumbered males

Counties with more male candidates (10 counties):

• Garissa (66.24% male)
• Mandera (65.09%)
• Wajir (60.10%)
• Turkana (57.67%)
• Narok (53.10%)
• Samburu (52.43%)
• Mombasa (52.08%)
• Homa Bay (52%)
• Lamu (51.9%)
• West Pokot (51%)

Counties with more female candidates (14 counties):

• Vihiga (55.90% female)
• Elgeyo Marakwet (55.06%)
• Kisumu (53.87%)
• Kiambu (53.23%)
• Kwale (53.19%)
• Nairobi (52.90%)
• Kakamega (52.47%)
• Meru (52.22%)
• Isiolo (52.21%)
• Uasin Gishu (52.14%)
• Busia (51.72%)
• Migori (51.57%) — among others

23 counties recorded near-perfect gender parity (e.g., Laikipia, Marsabit, Embu, Tana River, etc.)

Age distribution highlights:

• Candidates aged 16 and below: Increased to 26,391 (2.65%)
• Majority (72.02%) aged 17–19 years

Subject Performance and Gender Comparisons

• 17 subjects showed significant improvement (same as 2024)
• 11 subjects showed significant decline (up from 10 in 2024)

Females outperformed males in:

• English
• Kiswahili
• Kenya Sign Language
• Home Science
• CRE
• Art & Design

Males outperformed females in:

• Mathematics (Alt A & B)
• Biology (including for the blind)
• Chemistry
• General Science
• History & Government
• Geography
• Building & Construction
• Business Studies

Comparable performance in:

• Physics
• Agriculture
• Computer Studies
• French
• German
• Arabic
• Music

(Too few females in technical subjects like Metal Work, Power Mechanics, Electricity, Drawing & Design, and Aviation Technology for meaningful comparison.)

Overall Grading and National Performance

Grading followed the reviewed system (since 2023): Overall grade based on Mathematics + best language (English/Kiswahili/Kenya Sign Language) + best 5 other subjects.

Key results (improvements from 2024):

• Grade A (plain): 1,932 candidates (0.19%) — up from 1,693 (0.18%)
• C+ and above (university entry): 270,715 (27.18%) — up from 246,391 (25.53%)
• C- and above: 507,131 (50.92%) — up from 476,889 (49.41%)
• D+ and above (pass): 634,082 (63.67%) — up from 605,774 (62.76%)

Top performers by school category:

• National schools: 1,526 A's
• Extra-county schools: 197 A's
• Private schools: 185 A's
• Sub-county schools produced the most C+ and above (72,699), followed by county schools (36,600)

Examination Integrity

• 1,180 candidates involved in irregularities — results cancelled in line with the law

How to Access Results

Individual results are available immediately online via:

• KNEC portal: results.knec.ac.ke
• Enter your index number and one registered name

Results are live right after this event.

Closing Remarks

It is now my humble duty and privilege to declare the 2025 KCSE examination results officially released.

I wish all candidates success in their future endeavours. Happy New Year to everyone — thank you and God bless you.