The number of learners who scored mean grade A in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination improved from 1,216 in 2023 to 1,693 in 2024, indicating a steady rise of top scorers countrywide.
Speaking during the release of the 2024 KCSE results, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba commended the learners and attributed the performance to the new grading system that was implemented in 2023.
In the new system, only two mandatory subjects; Mathematics and one language (either English, Kiswahili or Kenya Sign Language) are used to compute the mean grade as compared to the previous structure that considered five subjects across three cluster groups.
At the same time, CS Ogamba noted that candidates’ exam papers were anonymous during the marking process to enhance transparency.
He added that the number of candidates with direct university entry qualifications (grade C+ and above) rose to 246,391 (25.53 per cent) compared to 201,133 (22.27 per cent) in 2023.
Further, the number of candidates with grade C- is 476,889 (49.41 per cent) compared to 401,216 (44.2 per cent) in 2023.
Those who attained a D+ and above were 605,774 (62.76 per cent) compared to 526,222 (58.22 per cent) in the previous examinations.
Candidates who scored a mean grade E were 48,333; comprising 20,112 women and 28,221 men.
In addition, 840 candidates’ results were cancelled after they engaged in exam irregularities. A further 2,829 candidates’ results were withheld for suspicion of irregularities pending completion of investigations within 30 days.
CS Ogamba confirmed that disciplinary action will be taken on 91 contracted professionals and teachers who aided in irregularities.
