2025 KCSE results are out, and once again, they have shown where academic excellence in Kenya truly lies. As expected, national schools led the way, but this year’s results also came with a few surprises that caught the attention of many education stakeholders.
The results were released on Friday, January 9, in Eldoret, where Education CS Julius Ogamba confirmed a clear improvement compared to last year. A total of 1,932 candidates scored an A (plain), up from 1,693 in 2024. This rise was widely celebrated as a sign of better preparation and discipline among candidates.
National schools dominated the top grades, producing 1,526 of all straight As recorded nationwide. This strong showing once again proved why these institutions are often viewed as academic giants, thanks to experienced teachers, a competitive learning environment, and a strong culture of discipline.
In overall performance, 270,715 candidates scored C+ and above, meaning about 27 per cent of all candidates qualified for university admission.
Interestingly, the 2025 results also highlighted a quiet shift in trends. Several day schools and sub-county schools performed exceptionally well, in some cases beating established county schools in the number of students qualifying for university. Analysts say this improvement is linked to better teaching, closer parental involvement, and improved use of government learning resources at the local level.
Among the schools that stood out nationally were Moi High School Kabarak, Alliance High School, Maranda High School, Asumbi Girls, Maseno School, Murang’a High School, and Maryhill Girls, all of which posted strong mean grades and impressive numbers of top scorers.
Asumbi Girls in Homa Bay made headlines after all its 914 candidates scored C+ and above, recording a rare 100 per cent university qualification rate a moment of joy for students, parents, and teachers alike.
Education officials attributed the improved results to stable curriculum delivery, better support for teachers, and stricter exam supervision.
As universities prepare to admit the next batch of students, the 2025 KCSE results have once again confirmed the dominance of national schools, while also proving that day schools are steadily rising and cannot be ignored anymore.
