The release of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results on Thursday sparked mixed reactions across the country, with celebrations in some schools and deep disappointment in others.
While several schools posted improved performances compared to previous years, one institution in Vihiga County drew national attention after recording an unusually poor outcome.
School Records Rare KCSE Performance
M’masakhwe Secondary School reported one of the most shocking results in the 2025 KCSE examinations. Out of 71 candidates who sat for the national exams, 70 students scored Grade E, the lowest possible grade. Only one candidate managed a D minus.
The results quickly spread online, triggering debate among parents, teachers, and education stakeholders, many of whom described the outcome as alarming and unacceptable.
Questions Raised Over Leadership and Resources
Following the release of the results, public attention turned to the school’s leadership. Some Kenyans questioned how such performance could occur under a principal with advanced academic qualifications, arguing that strong leadership should translate into better academic outcomes.
However, education experts urged the public to avoid rushing to conclusions, noting that KCSE performance is influenced by multiple factors beyond school administration.
Underlying Challenges Highlighted
Observers pointed to challenges such as limited funding, shortage of learning materials, teacher workload, and social pressures affecting students, especially in schools located in disadvantaged areas. These factors, they said, often combine to undermine academic performance despite the efforts of school management.
Renewed Focus on Education Inequality
The case of M’masakhwe Secondary School has once again highlighted inequalities within Kenya’s education system.
Education specialists are now calling for targeted interventions for struggling schools, including improved funding, teacher support programs, student counseling services, and closer monitoring by education authorities.
As the country digests the 2025 KCSE results, the school’s performance serves as a reminder that while national exams are important, addressing systemic challenges remains critical to improving outcomes for all learners.
