The release of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results has highlighted significant academic strides, with notable improvements in the performance of 17 subjects. The Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, announced that out of the 30 subjects offered, students recorded a marked improvement in key areas such as Mathematics (Alternative A and B), Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History and Government, Geography, IRE, Agriculture, Woodwork, Metalwork, Drawing and Design, Aviation Technology, Computer Studies, Kenya Sign Language, and Business Studies.
However, the results also indicated a decline in performance in 10 subjects, including English, Kiswahili, Biology for the blind, CRE, Home Science, Building Construction, Electricity, French, German, and Music.
In terms of gender performance, female candidates outshone their male counterparts in seven subjects, demonstrating a better mean score in English, Kiswahili, Kenya Sign Language, French, Home Science, CRE, and Art and Design. This is a testament to the growing academic excellence among female candidates in specific disciplines.
On the other hand, male candidates recorded superior mean scores in 23 subjects, including Mathematics (both alternatives), Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, and several technical and vocational subjects such as Woodwork, Metalwork, Aviation Technology, and Business Studies. The dominance of male candidates in subjects with a strong technical and scientific focus is reflective of broader gender trends in these fields.
The 2024 KCSE also witnessed an increase in the number of candidates, with a total of 965,512 students registering for the examinations, marking a 7.19 percent rise—the highest since 2020. Among them, male candidates numbered 480,310, while female candidates accounted for 485,202.
This year’s results not only underscore improvements in certain key subjects but also highlight the persistent gender disparities in academic performance, with distinct patterns emerging across various subjects. The Ministry of Education’s focus on enhancing learning outcomes across genders and subjects remains crucial for fostering an equitable education system in Kenya.
