The 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results, released on Friday, reveal striking differences in gender participation across the country.
While some counties recorded far more male candidates, others saw female learners dominate, and nearly half of the counties achieved near gender balance. The figures highlight both progress and continuing challenges in achieving equal access to education.
Data shows that ten counties had considerably more male than female students sitting the national exams. Garissa led with 66.24 percent male candidates against 33.76 percent female, followed by Mandera at 65.09 percent male and 34.91 percent female.
Wajir recorded 60.10 percent male and 39.90 percent female candidates.
Other counties with male majorities included Turkana at 57.67 percent, Narok at 53.10 percent, Samburu at 52.43 percent, and Mombasa at 52.08 percent. Homabay, Nyamira, and West Pokot also reported male dominance, though with smaller margins just above 51 percent.
In contrast, fourteen counties had more female candidates. Vihiga recorded the highest female participation at 55.90 percent compared to 44.10 percent male.
Elgeyo Marakwet followed closely with 55.06 percent female and 44.94 percent male. Kisumu had 53.87 percent female candidates, while Kiambu, Kwale, and Nairobi each recorded over 52 percent female participation.
Other counties with a female majority included Kakamega, Meru, Isiolo, Uasin Gishu, Machakos, Kitui, Busia, and Tharaka Nithi, where female representation ranged between 51.5 and 52.5 percent.
The largest group consisted of twenty-three counties that recorded near gender parity, reflecting almost equal participation by boys and girls. Among them were Lamu, Marsabit, Embu, and Tana River, each with slightly more than 50 percent female candidates.
Laikipia, Kisii, Baringo, Migori, and Trans Nzoia had less than a one percent difference between genders.
Other counties showing close balance included Nandi, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Kericho, Kilifi, Bomet, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Nakuru, Kirinyaga, Bungoma, and Makueni, with minor differences that still fell within parity limits.
Education officials say the statistics offer a clear picture of both advancement and areas needing attention. The wide gaps in some regions suggest that social, cultural, and economic factors continue to affect school attendance and exam participation, particularly in arid and semi-arid counties.
At the same time, the strong gender balance in almost half of the counties indicates that targeted programs, policy changes, and community efforts are beginning to make a difference.
As Kenya’s education system continues to evolve, the gender trends from the 2025 KCSE will serve as an important measure of inclusion and access. Future reforms focusing on equity and learner retention are likely to draw on these findings to guide policy decisions.
