Kenya’s 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results show a rise in the number of students qualifying for direct university admission, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced.
A total of 993,226 candidates sat for the national exams, with girls making up 50 percent of the candidates, demonstrating balanced participation in the national exams.
This year, 270,715 students, representing 27.18 percent of all candidates, attained a mean grade of C+ and above, making them eligible for direct university entry. “The number of candidates qualifying for university has improved, reflecting progress in national academic performance,” Ogamba said.
Beyond those qualifying for university, 507,131 students (50.92 percent) achieved grade C- and above, qualifying for TVET, diploma, and other programs, while 634,082 candidates (63.67 percent) attained a pass grade of D+ and above.
These figures indicate a broadening base of students prepared for post-secondary education and vocational opportunities.
National schools dominated the top-grade achievers, producing 1,526 students with an overall mean grade of A, while Extra County schools and Private schools followed with 197 and 185, respectively.
In the category of C+ and above, Sub-County schools outperformed County schools, with 72,699 students compared to 36,600, highlighting strong academic performance beyond the main urban centers.
Ogamba said the results show the growing preparedness of students for higher education and the impact of focused learning and teaching strategies. “We are encouraged by the progress and will continue to support all candidates to improve further,” he said.
The Ministry highlighted that the grading system evaluates Mathematics, the best-performed language among English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language, and the best five subjects overall. This ensures students are assessed comprehensively, with opportunities to excel in both core and elective subjects.
