January 9, 2025: Top news events to look out for today

Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today’s happenings.

KCSE results delay

Tension continues to grip the nation over the delay to release results of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.

The delay has extended long since it has been the tradition for the Ministry of Education to release the results in December.

The new system whereby each examination paper was customised for each candidate, with their name, index number and school pre-printed on it has been cited as one of the reasons why the delay has been experienced.

“This is the second year we are releasing results at the beginning of the year because… you know the problem with all of us is that when we release results in December, we are accused of rushing. So, we decided to take time to address all issues and ensure the smooth release of results,” Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said that the 965,501 2024 KCSE candidates could know their results by Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

“Traditionally, the KCSE exams were released in January and we are keeping to that tradition and we will be releasing them within the next two weeks,” Ogamba had said in Kisii.

The delay to release the results come at a time the nation is facing challenges for smooth implementation of CBC.

Mapinduzi Cup preps

Kenya will intensify their training for the next game against the hosts in the ongoing tournament in Zanzibar.

Harambee Stars will face Zanzibar on Friday, January 10, 2025, after drawing with Burkina Faso in the opening game and securing a 2-0 win over Kilimanjaro Stars in the second game.

The regional tournament is expected to sharpen Kenya for the upcoming CHAN tournament which will be hosted by the three East African nations.

Meanwhile, after inspecting Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Kenya is on tenterhooks as CAF is expected to deliver its report.

CAF inspection team, led by Director of Competitions and Events Samson Adamu, completed a two-day inspection of Kenya’s CHAN facilities on January 8.

Although there is palpable fear that Kenya may lose its hosting rights, FKF President Hussein Mohammed is confident that will not happen.

“Most recommendations have been met, but some work remains. We’ll double efforts for readiness,” Mohammed said after the inspection by CAF.