KCSE Results: KNEC Withholds Results Of Over 4k Candidates Over Exam Irregularities

• Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the 2023 KCSE examination results at Moi Girls High School in Eldoret
• Machogu said that over 4000 cases of exam irregularities were realised, resulting in the withholding of victims' results
• He also indicated that 201,133 candidates scored a mean grade of C+ and above, a drop compared to 2022 performance

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has released the 2023 KCSE examination results at Moi Girls High School in Eldoret.

Were there irregularities in 2023 KCSE exams?

Speaking during the event on Monday, January 8, the CS said the ministry would not release the results of over 4,000 students due to irregularities.

"The results of the remaining 4,109 candidates who were suspected to have engaged in examination irregularities have been withheld pending the completion of investigations into their cases," he said.

Machogu reported instances of irregularities occurring at multiple examination centres during the exam administration.

Under his instructions, an investigation into these cases is set to extend for 20 days.

Furthermore, the commission has nullified the results for four other cases due to approved exam malpractices.

The CS assured that professionals found to have participated in the malpractices would have to face the law.

How many 2023 KCSE students got direct entry to universities?

In the just-released examination results, the ministry indicated a mass drop in students who are expected to join universities for higher learning.

Machogu announced that 201,133 learners attained university entry with a mean grade of C+ and above.

According to him, the improvement occurred as a result of the new grading system, which allowed students to choose two compulsory subjects (Mathematics and any language) as opposed to the previous system.

"The number of candidates who attained the minimum university entry qualification (grade C+ and above) was 201,133 (22.27%) in the year 2023 KCSE examination compared to 173,345 (19.62%) in the year 2022. This is as a result of the application of new grading system," he announced.

How many cases of irregularities were found in KCPE exams?

However, in the 2023 Kenya Primary of Education exam results, KNEC admitted that only two cases of exam irregularities were found.

Machogu disclosed that one student was found in possession of a mobile phone in the examination room, believed to have been used in transmitting the exam papers.

"All officials ensured the integrity and credibility of the 2023 KCPE remained high, as only 2 candidates out of the total 1,406,557 were involved in examination malpractices. One of the candidates was found with an unauthorised note in the examination room, while the other candidate was found with a mobile phone in the examination room," Machogu said.