In the new grading structure, only two mandatory subjects will be required for calculating the candidate’s mean grade.

Grading as per the new system

“In the new grading system that will be applied to the 2023 KCSE exam (and subsequent exams), the only two mandatory subjects will be Mathematics and one language, (English, Kiswahili or Kenyan Sign Language),” Education Ministry directs.

Read full details here: Knec Introduces New KCSE Grading System 2023 onwards (How to calculate Mean Grade)

The Ministry has said the new reform measure is expected to increase the number of students qualifying for universities, diploma and TVET training at certificate and artisan levels.

Previously, the grading system for the KCSE exam considered seven subjects. They included English, Kiswahili, Mathematics, two Science subjects and two other subjects (with one being a mandatory humanity/Art based subject).

According to the Presidential Working Party on Education reforms, the 8-4-4 grading system disadvantaged some learners whose best performing subjects were not considered if they were not within the cluster.

They said the system provided for exams that were primarily summative for certification and placement, which led to school dropouts.

“On assessment, there are no clear guidelines on the identification, selection and placement of learners into the various career pathways and tertiary institutions. The high stakes examinations have led to malpractices and credibility issues,” the report reads.

“This encouraged unhealthy competition for limited slots in the subsequent levels of education, with learners who fail to obtain quality grades in the examinations often dropping out of school, leading to a high wastage of a youthful population.”

In the new system, the reforms say that English and Kiswahili measure the literacy level of a learner, while Mathematics and any Science subject evaluate the numeracy aspects of the learner.

Related: KCSE Grading System Per Subject 2022/ 2023 – Official Knec Grading