Kenya's Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, revealed the outcomes of the final Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) cohort, marking the end of the 8-4-4 system in primary education.
The results were released on Thursday results at KNEC Kenya offices, Mitihani House in South "B" in Nairobi.
A total of 1,415,315 candidates participated in the examinations, and a notable 8,525 candidates achieved scores of 400 marks and above, with the highest scorer reaching an impressive 428 marks.
Leading the list of high-achieving students is Michael Warutere from Riara Springs Academy, securing the top spot with an outstanding 428 marks.
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This exceptional performance, alongside other top scorers, underscores the dedication and resilience displayed by students across various institutions.
The subsequent top achievers include Emmaculate Wacheke (427 marks) from Gilgil Hills School, Nakuru, and Khadija Yunis (426 marks) from Light Academy.
Notably, the top ten list predominantly features students from Kathigiri Public Boarding School, emphasizing the institution's commitment to academic excellence.
In a historic transition, the top-performing candidates for the last time under the 8-4-4 system include:
1. Michael Warutere - 428 (Riara Springs Academy)
2. Emmaculate Wacheke - 427 (Gilgil Hills School, Nakuru)
3. Khadija Yunis - 426 (Light Academy)
4. Kevin Gichoki - 417 (Gilgil Hills School, Nakuru)
5. Mberi Hope Mwendwa - 418 (Kathigiri Public Boarding School)
6. Mungiria Longer Murithi - 418 (Kathigiri Public Boarding School)
7. Mwiti Ivy Mukiri - 418 (Kathigiri Public Boarding School)
8. Kiogora Valentine Mwendwa - 417 (Kathigiri Public Boarding School)
9. Kinyua Barrack Murithi - 418 (Kathigiri Public Boarding School)
10. Mugo Martin Luther - 413 (Kathigiri Public Boarding School)
This announcement marks the final chapter of the 8-4-4 system, replaced by the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in the primary section.
Consequently, this cohort of KCPE candidates represents the last group whose secondary school placements will be determined by exam results, as the CBC introduces a more career-focused approach.
Despite the historic significance of the announcement, some students and parents experienced a slight delay in accessing the results.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) apologized for the delay and provided multiple avenues for result retrieval, including SMS and online platforms.
“We apologize for the delay in accessing KCPE 2023 results through the SMS code. We will update you once they are available on 40054.” KNEC said.
Machogu reassured the public of the government's commitment to absorb all 1,406,557 candidates into the secondary school system through the 100 per cent transition policy.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring learners secure the basic education necessary for individual survival and the nation's socioeconomic growth.
"We have the capacity to absorb all the 1,406,557 candidates who sat for this year's KCPE examinations," Machogu said.
"We urge parents and guardians to take advantage of the 100 per cent transition policy to ensure that learners join secondary school and secure the basic education crucial for their survival and the nation's socioeconomic growth and development."
A notable shift in gender parity was observed in the 2023 results, with female candidates constituting 48.70 per cent, a decline from the 2013-2022 period when both genders were at par.
CS Machogu highlighted the improved performance of female candidates in English, English Composition, and Kenyan Sign Language, while other subjects witnessed a slight decline.
"The gender parity of KCPE candidates in 1985 was at 59.2 per cent and 40.8 per cent for male and female candidates respectively. This ratio increased over the years and from 2013 to 2022 both genders were at par," the CS said.
"However, in 2023, gender parity has dropped with female candidates being at 48.70 per cent and male candidates at 51.3 per cent"
Addressing subject-specific performance, CS Machogu reported significant improvements in English, English Composition, and Kenyan Sign Language compared to 2022.
Notably, female candidates outperformed their male counterparts in these subjects, while other subjects recorded a slight decline in performance.
“English, English Composition, and Kenyan sign language all recorded significant improvement compared to KCPE 2022 - with female candidates performing better in these than their male counterparts. The remaining subjects recorded a slight decline in performance,” CS Machogu stated.
In a bid to maintain examination integrity, CS Machogu disclosed that only two candidates were involved in malpractice, one caught with unauthorized notes and the other with a mobile phone.
This reinforces the ministry's commitment to upholding the credibility of the examination process.
As Kenya bids farewell to the 8-4-4 system, these KCPE results signify not just academic achievements but also mark a pivotal moment in the nation's educational landscape, paving the way for a more personalized and career-oriented approach in the years to come.
