2025 KCSE results: 1,932 candidates score A
By Faith Lagat, January 9, 2026The Ministry of Education has officially released the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination results, indicating improved performance and an increase in the number of candidates qualifying for university admission.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced the results on January 9, 2026, during a ceremony held at AIC Chebisaas High School in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. He noted that overall outcomes had improved compared to the previous year.
A total of 993,226 candidates sat the examinations, up from 962,512 in 2024, representing an increase of 30,714 candidates or 3.19 per cent.
Top grade performance and school categories
According to the results, 1,932 candidates attained a straight A, accounting for 0.19 per cent of the total candidature. This marked an increase from the 1,693 candidates, or 0.18 per cent, who achieved the same grade in 2024.
National schools recorded the highest number of grade A candidates at 1,526, followed by extra-county schools with 197 and private institutions with 185.
In mid-level performance, sub-county schools recorded 72,699 candidates attaining C+ and above, compared to 36,600 candidates from county schools.
Gender distribution
The gender distribution showed that 492,012 candidates were male while 501,214 were female, making 2025 the second consecutive year in which female candidates outnumbered their male counterparts.
CS Ogamba highlighted the trend during the release. “In 2025, 993,226 candidates sat for the KCSE, compared to 962,512 in 2024, representing an increase of 30,714 candidates. 492,012 were male, and 501,214 were female; this is the second year in a row that female candidates are more than male candidates,” he said.
University qualification, subject performance and integrity
University entry prospects improved, with 270,715 candidates, representing 27.18 per cent, scoring C+ and above, compared to 246,391 candidates (25.53 per cent) in 2024.
A total of 507,131 candidates attained C– and above, while 634,082 achieved D+ and above, up from 476,889 and 605,774 respectively in the previous year.
Subject analysis showed that 17 subjects recorded improved performance, while 11 subjects registered a decline.
On examination integrity, the CS confirmed that 1,180 candidates were involved in malpractice cases. “Consequently, and in line with the applicable law and regulations, their examination results have been cancelled,” he stated.
Candidates can access their results through the Kenya National Examinations Council portal or via SMS code 20076, with the Ministry urging reliance on official communication channels.