A total of 1,932 candidates scored grade A in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, marking an increase from 1,693 top performers in 2024.
Speaking on Friday while presenting the results to President William Ruto ahead of the official release, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said that 270,000 candidates attained grade C+ and above, qualifying for direct university entry. This represents a rise from 246,391 (25.53%) in 2024.
A total of 993,000 candidates sat for the national examinations, with girls making up half of the candidature. Performance among public day schools was also notable, with 72,000 students scoring C+ and above, highlighting a steady improvement in learners from these institutions.
Overall, 507,131 candidates scored grade C- or higher (50.92%), up from 476,889 (49.41%) in 2024, while 634,082 candidates attained a pass grade of D+ or above (63.67%), compared to 605,774 (62.76%) in 2024.
Ogamba noted mixed trends across subjects, with 17 showing improved performance and 11 recording a decline. Gender analysis revealed female candidates excelled in six language subjects, while males outperformed in 11 others.
He also highlighted a demographic shift, with candidates aged 16 and below increasing from 20,000 in 2024 to 26,391 in 2025, though most candidates fell within the appropriate age bracket.
The KCSE examinations were conducted nationwide between 21 October and 14 November 2025. The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) finalized marking and processing ahead of the official results release.
Addressing concerns over perceived delays, Ogamba assured parents that the timeline remained on schedule, with results consistently released in January.
In a bid to prevent delays linked to unpaid school fees, the ministry has introduced a new system for certificate collection, allowing candidates to pick their KCSE certificates from subcounty education offices rather than schools.