The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is an important exam for high school students in Kenya. It helps them move on to university or other opportunities. The 2025 KCSE results were released on January 9, 2026, by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. The event happened at AIC Chebisaas High School in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. This was a big day for thousands of students who took the exams in October and November 2025.
How Many Students Took the Exam?
A total of 993,226 students sat for the 2025 KCSE exams. Out of these, 492,012 were boys and about 501,214 were girls. This is the second year in a row where more girls than boys took the exam, showing good progress in girls’ education.
Overall Performance: Good News and Challenges
The results showed some improvements compared to 2024. Here are the key numbers:
– **Top Grades (A Plain):** 1,932 students got an A, which is 0.19% of all candidates. This is up from 1,693 in 2024.
– **University Entry (C+ and Above):** About 270,000 students qualified for direct university entry by scoring C+ or higher.
– **Pass Grades (D+ and Above):** 634,082 students (63.67%) passed with D+ or better, compared to 605,774 in 2024.
– **Lower Grades (D, D-, E):** Sadly, 359,144 students scored D, D-, or E.
– More than half a million (507,131) got C- or above, up from 476,889 last year.
National schools did the best, with most A grades coming from them. But sub-county schools also shone, leading in some areas. There were regional trends too, with schools from Mt Kenya and Western Kenya performing strongly. However, 1,180 students had their results cancelled due to cheating.
Top Performers: Shining Stars
Some students did amazingly well. Here are a few of the top scorers with 84 points (straight A):
– Odhiambo Raydexter Amayo from Mbita High School
– Wawira Derick Munene from Kangaru School
– Mutheu Mutuku from Muthale Girls School
– June Mwende from Kangaru Girls School
– Denis Koech Kirwa from St Patrick’s High School, Iten
– Onywera Juan Mbaai from Machakos School
– Abdallah Mo from Meru School
Other high achievers include Sharlin Bella Wakala from Bunyore Girls High School and many more who got A plain.
How to Check Your Results
It’s easy to get your results. You can do it online or by SMS.
**Online Method:**
1. Go to the KNEC website: https://results.knec.ac.ke/
2. Enter your 11-digit index number.
3. Type your full name as registered.
4. Click “Submit” to see your results. You can download them too.
**SMS Method:**
Send your index number to 20076. It costs Ksh25 per message.
Make sure to check soon, as these are provisional results.
What Does This Mean for Students?
For those who did well, congratulations! You can now apply for university or college. Those with lower grades can look at other paths like vocational training or retaking exams. The government is working to improve education, especially in areas with gaps.
Overall, the 2025 KCSE shows Kenya’s students are getting better, with more girls joining in. If you’re a student or parent, stay positive and plan the next steps!
Also Read: How to Obtain Your Grade 10 Admission Letter in Kenya