With the 2026 school calendar officially kicking off, the focus of the nation has shifted to the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba previously confirmed that the results for the 996,078 candidates who sat the exams will be released in January 2026.
When will the KCSE 2025 results be released?
While the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has not yet pinned down a specific day, historical trends and Ministry of Education briefings suggest the results will be out between January 10th and January 15th, 2026.
Marking of the scripts concluded in December, and the council is currently in the final stages of data processing and result validation at Mitihani House.
How to Check KCSE 2025 Results
Once the Education CS officially announces the results, students and parents can access them using the following methods:
1. SMS Service (Fastest Method)
This is the most popular way to get results instantly.
- Compose a new SMS with the candidate’s Index Number.
- Send the message to the official KNEC code (The code is usually 40054 or as announced during the live broadcast).
- Note: Each SMS typically costs Ksh. 25 and works on Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom networks.
2. Online via KNEC Portal
For those who want a result slip view:
- Visit the official KNEC Results Portal.
- Select “KCSE” from the dropdown menu.
- Select the year “2025”.
- Enter the Index Number and click “Submit.”
3. School Collection
Official result slips are usually available at the respective examination centers (schools) within a week of the digital release.
The New Grading System
A critical piece of context for the 2025 cohort is the continued use of the new grading structure introduced to favor student career paths. Unlike the old system that averaged all subjects, the current system focuses on:
- Two Mandatory Subjects: Mathematics and either English or Kiswahili.
- Five Best Subjects: The next five best-performed subjects are used to calculate the mean grade.
This system is designed to help more students qualify for university (C+ and above) by focusing on their strengths rather than being penalized for a single poor grade in a non-core subject.
What Happens After the Results?
Immediately following the release, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) will open its portal for the first revision of degree and diploma choices. Students are advised to have their portal credentials ready to avoid the last-minute rush.
FAQs
Q: Can I check my results before the official announcement? A: No. Results only become active on the SMS and online portals after the Education CS has formally released them.
Q: What should I do if my results are “Withheld” or “Pended”? A: Candidates with a “W” or “P” status should report to their school principal, who will follow up with KNEC. This usually happens in cases of suspected irregularities or missing marks.
Q: Is there a fee to check results online? A: Checking via the portal is free, though you will need an active internet connection.
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