The Education Ministry in Kenya has announced a new KCSE grading system. According to the new system, Maths and 1 language and 5 other best performed subjects will be used by KNEC to compute the 2023-2027 KCSE candidates’ grades.

The Ministry says that the new system will trigger an increase to the number of students joining university.

Also read: New KCSE Grading System (2023 to 2027)

In the new grading system, only two mandatory subjects, Mathematics and one language (English, Kiswahili, or Kenyan Sign Language), will be used to compute the mean grade.

“Previously there were five mandatory subjects across three cluster groups – Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, two sciences and one humanity,” said Machogu on Monday during a stakeholders’ engagement on the new grading system at the New Mtihani House.

Additionally, examiners will be required to pick five of the best-performed subjects from a candidate, doing away with the previous grading system.

Also read: The latest KCSE grading system per subject

“In addition to the two mandatory subjects – the Kenya National Examinations Council will consider any other five best performed subjects. It is expected that the new reform measure will increase the number of students qualifying for universities, Diploma and TVET training at Certificate and Artisan levels,” said the Education CS.

The previous system was perceived to disadvantage some learners whose best-performing subject was not considered if not within the clusters, as has been the case since the inception of the 8-4-4 education system.

Under the previous grading system, students’ final grades were determined by five compulsory subjects plus one humanity course. However, the newly introduced system will evaluate students based on two compulsory subjects and any five other best-performed subjects, effectively altering the way students’ academic achievements are assessed.

The two compulsory subjects in the new grading system are Mathematics, a single language, and five of the best performed subjects. The language that yields the higher performance will be considered in the grading process. Similarly, it won’t matter what subjects are best performed, those will be the ones used in the final grading.

In the old grading system, students were assessed based on Mathematics, English, Kiswahili, the two best-performed sciences, and two other best-performed electives, including a humanity course. This change represents a significant shift away from the previous structure, streamlining the grading process to create a more equitable and inclusive system.

The primary objective of this educational reform is to increase the number of students who qualify for university and diploma education. By allowing students to select their best-performed subjects from a broader pool, the new system aims to recognize and reward individual strengths and talents, promoting diversity in higher education.

New KCSE Grading Structure for 2023-2027 Exams

Continue reading:

KCSE results online portal

Check your 2023 KCSE results online here and quickly. All you need is your 2023 KCSE index number and name:

Search Student KCSE Results

Index

Name (i.e. John Sue – enter John or Sue)

Click here for quick results.

How to calculate KCSE Mean Grade using the old and new grading systems

Look at the performance below for a KCSE 2023 and beyond learner:

Subjects done 8:

Mathematics: C+ (7 points)
English: C plain (6 points)
Kiswahili D plain (3 points)
CRE: B+ plus (10 points)
History: B plain (9 points)
Agriculture: A- minus (11 points)
Biology: C+ plus (7 points)
Chemistry: C- minus (5 points).

Comparison of the grading systems

Grading as per the old system

Chosen Subjects for Grading	Grade	Points
Mathematics (Compulsory)	C+	7
English (Compulsory)	C	6
Kiswahili (Compulsory)	D	3
Biology (Copmulsory Science 1)	C+	7
Chemistry (Compulsory Science 2)	C-	5
CRE (Mandatory Humanity)	B+	10
Agriculture (Any Category)	A-	11
Totals	C+ (Plus)	49

Grading as per the new system

Chosen Subjects for Grading	Grade	Points
Mathematics (Compulsory)	C+	7
English (Best Language)	C	6
Agriculture	A-	11
CRE	B+	10
History	B	9
Biology	C+	7
Chemistry	C-	5
Totals	B- (Minus)	55

According to the new grading system, the student will get a B- (minus) of 55 points as opposed to the C+ (plus) of 49 points in the old KCSE Grading System.

KCSE SUBJECT CODES

Each subject offered by Knec has its own code. Check the table below before we take you through the grading process;

S/N	Subject Name	Subject Code
1	English	101
2	Kiswahili	102
3	Mathematics	121
4	Mathematics, Alternative B	122
5	Biology	231
6	Physics	232
7	Chemistry-	233
8	Biology for the Blind	236
9	General Science	237
10	History	311
11	Geography	312
12	CRE	313
13	IRE	314
14	HRE	315
15	Home Science	441
16	Art and Design	442
17	Agriculture	443
18	Wood Work	444
19	Metal Work	445
20	Building Construction	446
21	Power Mechanics	447
22	Electricity	448
23	Drawing and Design	449
24	Aviation Technology	450
25	Computer Studies	451
26	French	501
27	German	502
28	Arabic	503
29	Sign Language	504
30	Music	511
31	Business Studies	565

Search Student KCSE Results

How to calculate KCSE Mean Grade using the old and new grading systems

Subjects done 8:

Comparison of the grading systems

Grading as per the old system

Grading as per the new system

KCSE SUBJECT CODES

Also read

Top Performing National Schools in KCSE 2023

Top Performing Extra-County Schools in KCSE 2023

Continue Reading

You Might Also Like

This Post Has 52 Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply