End of an era: See list of KCPE top performers since 2003

It is curtains closed for the 39-year-old KCPE exams, as parents and pupils celebrated the release of the KCPE results for the last time.

This has been a tradition that has always accompanied the end of the first leg of the 8-4-4 curriculum.

Since its inception in 1985, following the transition from the 7-4-2-3 education system, the 8-4-4 has had its fair share of hits and misses.

Over the course of 39 cohorts, a total of 26 million pupils have undertaken the KCPE examinations.

The maiden batch in 1985 consisted of 330,370 pupils taking their exams, while the last group closed with a record 1.4 million candidates.

This last set of KCPE students is anticipated to sit for their KCSE exams in 2027.

The first CBC class will now advance to Grade 8 in the Junior Secondary Schools. Nevertheless, the phasing out of the 8-4-4 curriculum has left Kenyans with numerous memories.

Top 24 students in 2023 KCPE, their marks and schools

Here is a compilation of KCPE’s top performers since 2003:

Other top candidates in the country during preceding years include:

• Naeem Samnakay – 1985
• Gilbert Nyasoko Tengetta – 1988
• Allan Wanjala Baraza – 1999