Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has encouraged candidates who fell short of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) expectations.

Taking to X on Friday, January 9, 2026, Murkomen stated that those who fail to attain the university entry mark (C+) have other avenues to pursue after completing secondary school education.

He added that the government has provided opportunities for every learner, including within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

Alternative avenues

”The Government of Kenya has provided diverse opportunities for every learner, including within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. These avenues equip students with practical skills and open doors to meaningful careers. This is not the end of the journey; this is just the beginning,” Murkomen said.

”What may be perceived as failure today can easily be transformed into future success with the right mindset,” he added.

To the 993,226 candidates who sat for their examinations, Murkomen said this period presents an opportunity to analyse, think, and prepare for the next phase of life.

He also weighed in on the differences between those who achieved their desired outcome and those who fell short. Based on the results announced by the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos on Friday, January 9, 2026, in Eldoret, a total of 270,715 students qualified for university after attaining a mean grade of C+ and above.

”The difference between those who achieved their desired outcomes and those who fell short of their expectations is determined by discipline, focus, and attitude going forward,” Murkomen noted.

Echoes Kindiki’s sentiments

On the same note, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has also encouraged those who did not meet the mark in university admission, adding that examination results are not an end in themselves but a means to an end.

”Congratulations to the 993,226 students who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). I applaud the 270,715 students who have qualified to join a University, and also the rest who will find training and skills development opportunities in tertiary institutions, vocational training institutions and other opportunities. Examination results are not an end in themselves but a means to an end,” Kindiki wrote.

Kindiki has also described the proposed Competence-Based Education and Training (CBET) system as a game-changer in the country’s human resources, as Kenya replaces the traditional KCSE by 2027. 

2027 education transition

”As Kenya retires the nostalgic KCSE by 2027, the transition to the Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) system will provide a more adaptive human resource for our country, the software and key enabler of Kenya’s ambition to join the nations of the economic first world within a generation,” Kindiki added.

Kithure Kindiki also took the opportunity to defend the new education over the old 8-4-4, saying it is a superior alternative. He said CBET will remain in place until a full transition is implemented.