KNEC to Introduce Mid-Year Series of KCSE Exam.
The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) has announced the introduction of a mid-year series for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam, which will be held annually in July.
This initiative was revealed by Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Migos on Thursday. The new exam series is aimed at candidates who need to repeat their exams or those who missed them due to unavoidable circumstances.
CS Migos mentioned that adult candidates who wish to sit for the exam could also consider registering for the July KCSE series. This move is part of efforts to provide more opportunities for candidates to sit the exam.
As the 8-4-4 education system gradually phases out, KNEC CEO David Njengere confirmed that the final group of students to sit for the KCSE exam under this system will do so in 2027. He encouraged those who wish to repeat the exam, whether fully or partially, to take advantage of the remaining opportunities.
Inclusion of Orbit Readers and Phasing Out Braille Machines
CS Migos also highlighted the Ministry of Education’s ongoing work to integrate Orbit Readers and phase out Braille machines for administering the KCSE exam. This transition is part of the Ministry’s effort to align with global assessment standards and improve accessibility for candidates with disabilities.
The results for the 2024 KCSE exam show an increase in the number of candidates compared to the previous year. A total of 962,512 candidates sat for the exam in 2024, compared to 899,453 candidates in 2023.
Notably, the gender balance has shifted, with 482,202 female candidates surpassing 480,310 male candidates, marking the first time that female candidates outnumber male candidates since the inception of KCSE.
Among the 30 subjects offered in the exam, 17 showed significant improvement in performance.
These subjects included Mathematics Alternative A & B, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History & Government, Geography, IRE, Agriculture, Woodwork, Metal Work, Drawing & Design, Aviation, Technology, Computer Studies, Kenyan Sign Language, and Business Studies.
However, there was a notable decline in performance in subjects such as English, Kiswahili, Biology for the Blind, CRE, Home Science, Building Construction, Electricity, French, German, and Music.
Examination Results and University Admissions
CS Migos also revealed that 1,693 candidates achieved an overall grade of A, an increase from 1,216 in 2023.
The number of candidates who attained the direct university entry qualification of a grade C+ and above also rose to 246,391, up from 201,133 the previous year. Additionally, 605,774 candidates received a pass grade of D+ or higher, compared to 526,222 in 2023.
Read Also: KNEC Website Malfunctions as KCSE Results Are Released
Despite the overall improvements, KNEC had to cancel the exam results of 840 candidates due to involvement in exam malpractice. These candidates’ results were annulled as part of efforts to maintain the integrity of the examination process.
Accessing Results
Candidates can access their 2024 KCSE results online via the KNEC results portal, https://results.knec.ac.ke. To check their results, candidates need to enter their index number and any of the names listed in their registration data.
KNEC CEO David Njengere emphasized that the last KCSE exam under the 8-4-4 system will be held in 2027. He urged candidates wishing to repeat their exams fully or partially to make use of the remaining chances to do so before the transition to the new education system.
KNEC to Introduce Mid-Year Series of KCSE Exam.
