In the recently concluded 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations, the highest-scoring candidate achieved an impressive 428 marks out of a possible 500, announced Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu. Machogu disclosed that candidates can conveniently access their results online by sending their Index Number followed by the initials 'KCPE' to SMS Code 40054.

This marks the culmination of the 8-4-4 curriculum era, with the Ministry of Education ushering in the full transition to the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC). A total of 1.4 million candidates participated in the final KCPE exam, gearing up to join secondary school in 2024 under the 100 per cent transition program.

Out of the vast pool of candidates, a notable 8,525 students secured marks of 400 and above, while 352,782 achieved scores between 300 and 399. The majority, totaling 658,278 pupils, fell within the 200 to 299 marks range. A further 383,025 candidates landed in the 100 to 199 marks category, with the remaining candidates scoring below 100 marks.

CS Machogu reported minimal cases of malpractice, with only 2 out of 1.4 million candidates involved in exam irregularities. One student was found with a mobile phone within an exam center, while another was caught with unauthorized notes.

As Kenya bids farewell to the KCPE era, Machogu unveiled plans to offer a second chance to those who missed the examination. Administered through the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), a special examination is scheduled for January 2024.

English and Kenya Sign Language showcased improvement in this year's results, raising concerns as all other subjects experienced a decline in performance, according to the CS.