Analysis of 2024 KCSE Results for Kisii County

The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) is a critical milestone in the academic journey of Kenyan students, determining access to tertiary education and career pathways. Kisii County has demonstrated steady growth in candidature and participation rates in recent years, as reflected in the 2024 results. This analysis dives into the candidature trends, school distribution, gender representation, and age demographics of candidates in Kisii County. Additionally, insights are drawn from national performance trends to contextualize the county’s performance, highlighting areas of progress and opportunities for improvement.

1. Candidature Analysis

Candidature Growth (2024 vs. 2023):

Total candidates in 2024: 38,701
- Female: 18,951 (48.97%)
- Male: 19,750 (51.03%)
Total candidates in 2023: 34,367
- Female: 16,967 (49.37%)
- Male: 17,400 (50.63%)

Observation:
The total candidature increased by 4,334 candidates (12.61%) between 2023 and 2024. While the gender distribution remained relatively balanced, the slight increase in the male proportion (from 50.63% to 51.03%) indicates more male candidates joined the examinations in 2024.

Implications:

This growth could reflect improved access to education in the county, outreach programs, or population growth. Further investigation could explore if more schools were registered or if previously underserved areas saw better inclusion.

2. Age Distribution

2024 Age Breakdown:

16 years & below: 1,191 candidates (3.08%)
17 years: 6,919 candidates (17.88%)
18 years: 12,503 candidates (32.31%)
19 years: 9,140 candidates (23.62%)
20 years: 5,386 candidates (13.92%)
21 years: 2,272 candidates (5.87%)
22 years & above: 1,290 candidates (3.33%)

2023 Age Breakdown:

16 years & below: 984 candidates (2.86%)
17 years: 6,282 candidates (18.28%)
18 years: 10,477 candidates (30.49%)
19 years: 8,650 candidates (25.17%)
20 years: 4,448 candidates (12.94%)
21 years: 2,029 candidates (5.90%)
22 years & above: 1,497 candidates (4.36%)

Observation:

Candidates aged 18 years consistently formed the largest group, followed by those aged 19.
There was a notable reduction in the percentage of older candidates (22+), indicating improvements in students’ progression through education at the expected age.

3. School Distribution by Category

School Types in Kisii County (2024):

National Schools: 2 (0.54%)
Extra County Schools: 26 (7.05%)
County Schools: 44 (11.92%)
Sub County Schools: 280 (75.88%)
Private Schools: 16 (4.34%)
Total Schools: 369

Observation:

Sub County Schools dominate (75.88%), hosting the majority of candidates.
National and Extra County schools, which typically perform better nationally, make up only 7.59% of all schools in Kisii.
The prominence of Sub County schools suggests that improving their quality could significantly uplift the county’s overall performance.

4. Gender Analysis

Female candidates: 18,951 (48.97%)
Male candidates: 19,750 (51.03%)

Observation:
The gender ratio is balanced, reflecting equitable participation between genders. However, programs encouraging female students to pursue high performance and compete for top grades may help bridge gaps if systemic biases exist.

5. Performance Analysis

Challenges in Analysis:

The document provides a comprehensive national summary of grade distribution but doesn’t break down grades per county. Kisii’s performance could be inferred by comparing its school categories and candidature growth to overall trends.

Insights from National Trends:

Grades A to B+: Only 4.08% of national candidates achieved grades A, A-, and B+.
Grades C+ and above (university cut-off): 27.05% of candidates scored grades C+ or higher.
Grades D and below: 45.94% of candidates scored grades D+ or lower.

Implications for Kisii:
Given that most candidates attended Sub County schools, their performance likely aligns with national trends for this category. Improving resources in these schools could lead to better outcomes.

6. Recommendations for Improvement

Expand Support for Sub County Schools:
Invest in infrastructure, teacher training, and learning materials, as they accommodate most students in Kisii.
Bridge Gender Gaps in Achievement:
Encourage programs that empower female students to excel academically, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Focus on Age Progression:
The high proportion of candidates aged 18 and 19 suggests that students might be completing school later than expected. Addressing challenges like repeating classes or late school enrollment could optimize learning timelines.
Enhance Performance Tracking by Category:
Collect and analyze performance data at the county level for more precise insights into where interventions are needed.

The 2024 KCSE results highlight Kisii County’s progress in educational access and participation, as evidenced by the notable increase in candidature and balanced gender representation. However, the predominance of Sub County schools, which often face resource constraints, underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve overall performance. Addressing challenges such as delayed age progression, resource gaps in schools, and gender performance disparities can pave the way for better outcomes in future assessments.

By building on these insights and implementing data-driven strategies, Kisii County can continue to advance its education standards, ensuring that all students are well-equipped to compete at national and global levels. Education stakeholders must collaborate to support the holistic development of learners and achieve sustained excellence in the region’s academic performance.