Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu announced the results of the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) at the Kenya National Examinations Council Mitihani House. A total of 1,406,557 candidates sat for the exams, with the top scorer achieving 428 marks. Machogu highlighted those 9,354 candidates were unable to sit for the exams, but plans are in place for them to take the exams in January 2024.

According to Kenya News Agency, the government is committed to ensuring all candidates have the opportunity to join secondary schools. He pointed out the gender distribution among the candidates: 721,544 males and 685,017 females. A decline in top scorers was noted, with 8,523 candidates scoring 400 marks and above, compared to 9,443 in 2022. In the range of 300 to 399 marks, 24.92% (352,782) of candidates scored, closely matching last year’s percentage.

Machogu also mentioned that 205 unregistered candidates were allowed to sit for the exam, including 125 males and 80 females. Despite challenges posed by heavy rains and floods in parts of the country, efforts were made to ensure all candidates could participate. He highlighted disparities in gender distribution across counties, with some counties like Isiolo having more female than male candidates. The age distribution of candidates was also noted, with the highest number in the 13-15 age bracket.

The CS reported improvements in English Language and Kenyan Sign Language compositions compared to 2022. In terms of subject performance, male and female candidates were comparable in social studies and religious education, with females performing slightly better in English, Kiswahili, and Kenyan Sign Language, and males in Mathematics and Science.

Praising the integrity of the 2023 KCPE Examination, Machogu noted that only two cases of malpractice were recorded. He assured a fair and transparent Form One placement process, starting next week, emphasizing the importance of all learners transitioning to secondary school.

Individual results can be accessed via SMS to 40054. Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang confirmed that all examiners for the 2023 KCPE have been paid and arrangements are in place for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education markers.