The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results were officially released today, January 9, 2026, by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba at a ceremony held at AIC Chebisaas High School in Eldoret. For learners, parents, and educators, the day marks the culmination of a year of hard work, anticipation, and high stakes.

This year saw a record-breaking cohort, with nearly 996,000 candidates sitting the exams — the largest in KCSE history. Gender representation remains almost even, with about 501,000 girls and 492,000 boys taking part. Over 10,700 examination centers across the country hosted learners from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the scale and inclusivity of Kenya’s education system.

Performance Highlights

The results show encouraging trends for both learners and schools. Around 270,000 candidates attained a C+ and above, securing eligibility for direct university entry. Meanwhile, 1,932 learners achieved the coveted plain A, the highest grade in the country. Overall, thousands more achieved passing grades that open doors to diploma, technical, and vocational training programs.

National schools continue to lead in top performance, but extra-county, private, and county schools also recorded impressive results, demonstrating the rising standards of education across the country. Among subjects, Mathematics emerged as one of the best-performing disciplines, with other subjects showing mixed but improving performance trends.

Integrity in examinations remains a priority. 1,180 candidates had their results cancelled due to examination irregularities, a reminder of KNEC’s commitment to fairness and credibility.

Accessing Results

Candidates can check their results through the official KNEC portal using their index numbers. These results determine next steps — whether it’s joining a degree program, pursuing a diploma, enrolling in TVET courses, or exploring alternative learning pathways. For those who qualify for university entry, KUCCPS placements will follow according to learners’ performance and course preferences.

What the Numbers Mean

Beyond statistics, the 2025 KCSE results tell a larger story. They highlight learner resilience, school dedication, and the continued efforts of Kenya’s education system to provide equitable opportunities for learning. The growth in the number of learners qualifying for university entry shows both improvement and hope for the next generation.

This year’s record-breaking numbers and top performances also reflect the hard work of teachers and school administrators who have guided learners through an increasingly competitive academic environment. For many learners, these results are a launchpad — a gateway to higher learning, skill development, and meaningful careers.

Looking Ahead

While today is a day of celebration, it also marks the beginning of the next chapter. Learners who achieved top grades now prepare to enter universities, while others explore technical, vocational, or diploma pathways. Parents, schools, and policymakers continue to strategize on how to improve performance and widen access to quality education.

Ultimately, the 2025 KCSE results are a testament to effort, growth, and opportunity. They remind us that education in Kenya is dynamic, evolving, and increasingly inclusive. As learners step forward to shape their futures, the focus shifts from examinations to empowerment, skill-building, and creating real-world impact.