ELDORET, Kenya — The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results will be released today, January 9, 2026, ending months of anticipation for nearly one million candidates and their families.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is expected to preside over the official release ceremony in Eldoret, beginning at 9.30am, marking one of the most significant milestones in Kenya’s education calendar.
A total of 996,000 candidates sat the national examination last year across thousands of centres nationwide.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) said the marking, moderation and processing of results were completed ahead of schedule, paving the way for the release.
Shortly after the announcement, candidates will be able to access their results through official KNEC platforms and designated SMS services.
No delay in release, CS Ogamba says
Some parents and candidates had expressed concern over what they perceived as delays, but CS Ogamba dismissed the claims, insisting the ministry remained within its normal operational timeline.
He noted that KCSE results are traditionally released in January, adding that the 2025 cycle had followed established procedures without deviation.
New system for certificate collection
In a major policy shift, the ministry has introduced a new system that will see candidates collect their KCSE certificates directly from sub-county education offices, rather than their former schools.
The move aims to resolve long-standing complaints from students whose certificates were withheld over unpaid fees, lost textbooks or unresolved disciplinary issues.
The ministry said the new approach ensures no student is denied access to their academic credentials, regardless of financial background.
Exam period and irregularities
The 2025 KCSE examinations were administered between October 21 and November 14, 2025.
During the examination period, 418 candidates were flagged for various irregularities, including attempted cheating and breach of examination protocols. Their cases are still under review.
Also Read: KNEC releases 2023 KCPE, KCSE certificates, warns schools against illegal withholding
Marking of the papers faced a brief disruption on November 30, when about 800 examiners stationed at Maryhill Girls High School in Thika downed their tools, citing concerns over working conditions and poor communication.
KNEC later confirmed that the dispute had been resolved and that all examiners had received their dues, dismissing claims that coordination payments remained outstanding.
Warning to schools on certificate withholding
Last month, KNEC issued a stern warning to schools against withholding certificates under any circumstances.
The council reminded institutions that the law requires immediate release of certificates, and directed candidates facing difficulties to report the matter to their sub-county director of education for intervention.
KNEC said complaints from learners revealed that some schools continued to hold certificates to compel parents to clear outstanding fees — a practice the council termed unlawful.
