Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has officially confirmed that the results for the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams will be released on January 13, 2025. This announcement aims to clarify the release date and provide the nearly one million candidates—specifically, 965,501 students who sat for the exams between October 22 and November 22, 2024—with ample time to prepare for their future educational or career paths.
Key Highlights from the Announcement
Official Confirmation
During a press briefing at the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) headquarters in Nairobi, Ogamba addressed the uncertainty surrounding the results release. His statement reassured students and parents, marking an important step in the examination process.
Record Participation
The 2024 KCSE exams saw an unprecedented number of candidates, with 965,501 students participating, compared to 903,138 the previous year. This surge in numbers contributed to delays in processing the results due to the increased workload on examiners and the KNEC team.
Reasons for the Delay
The primary factors behind the delay in result release include:
- Large Candidate Volume: The significant increase in student numbers added complexity to the marking process.
- Curriculum Reforms: The introduction of the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) necessitated adjustments in the marking criteria. This cohort is the last to complete the 8-4-4 education system, making the transition even more critical.
Marking Process
The marking of exams concluded on December 13, 2024, with examiners working at 35 designated centers, including prestigious institutions such as Alliance High and State House Girls. The KNEC ensured a thorough and meticulous marking process to maintain credibility, especially given the recent concerns about exam integrity.
How to Access Results
Students can access their results through two main avenues once they are released on January 13, 2025:
- SMS Service: Candidates can send their index numbers to a designated code for immediate results.
- Online Portals: Results will also be available on the official KNEC website.
Public and Social Media Reaction
The announcement prompted widespread discussion on platforms like X, with many expressing relief over the confirmed date. However, concerns about exam integrity resurfaced following various reports of cheating incidents. The results are expected to influence university placements and the overall educational landscape in Kenya.
Historical Context
Traditionally, KCSE results are released in late December or early January. While the 2024 announcement aligns with this tradition, the delay was unavoidable due to the factors mentioned. The establishment of a confirmed release date is seen as a crucial step in restoring public confidence in the examination process.