Education Ministry Questioned About Fate of 9,000 KCPE Pupils
The Ministry of Education is facing questions about the fate of over 9,000 pupils who did not sit for the final Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams in 2023.
These pupils, who are the final group under the outgoing 8-4-4 education system, fear losing their opportunity to attend secondary school as the country fully converts to Competency-Based Education (CBE).
Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi took the topic to Parliament, pleading for quick action to protect the rights of vulnerable students.
Elachi further stated that the vast majority of individuals who missed the tests were girls, usually due to early pregnancies, protracted illnesses, and other unforeseen family or personal circumstances.
“It is estimated that over 9,000 pupils did not sit for the final KCPE examination in 2023 and other preceding years due to various reasons, the majority being girls affected by early pregnancies, illness, and other unforeseen circumstances,” Elachi said.
“These learners now face the risk of never progressing to secondary school simply because they did not sit for KCPE, which is no longer being offered.”
MPs are demanding answers from the government over the fate of 9,000 pupils who missed the final Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination in 2023 under the 8-4-4 system.https://t.co/n9hfQ2aI87
— Mzalendo (@MzalendoWatch) July 17, 2025
via @NationAfrica
Elachi stated that many of the impacted pupils are still interested in finishing their studies and taking the KCPE exam.
The final KCPE examination was administered in 2023 by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) using the 8-4-4 method.
According to KNEC data, 9354 pupils failed to sit for the KCSE 2023 exams.
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It said that 1,406,557 candidates were registered that year, with 721,544 males and 685,017 females.
During the sitting, the MP also expressed concern over kids who may be barred from taking the KCSE.
The final cohort of students under the 8-4-4 system will sit for the KCSE in 2027, signaling the end of the curriculum and the full implementation of the CBC system.
The MP wants KNEC and the Ministry of Education to issue a statement on measures to be taken to accommodate the pupils who missed the national exam under the 8-4-4 system.
Education Ministry Questioned About Fate of 9,000 KCPE Pupils
