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:
KCPE Year |
Name of candidate (s) |
Results out of 500 |
| 2023 | Michael Warutere | 428 |
| 2022 | Otieno Lewis Omondi Glen & Fwaro Makhoha Robinson | 431 |
| 2021 | Magata Bruce Makenzie | 428 |
| 2020 | Mumo Faith Kwae | 433 |
| 2019 | Andy Michael Munyiri | 440 |
| 2018 | Rawlings Odhiambo & Olive Mwea | 453 |
| 2017 | Goldalyn Kakuya | 455 |
| 2016 | Victor Oduor Odhiambo | 437 |
| 2015 | Aggrey Akhanyinya | 449 |
| 2014 | Tracy Okwach | 441 |
| 2013 | Otieno Akoth Daphne & Kimutai Brian | 444 |
| 2012 | Mwaura Boniface Kiongo, Wachira Njomo & Kinoti Joy Kithure | 430 |
| 2011 | Christine Muthoni Kagiri & Martin Irungu Waiharu | 442 |
| 2010 | Ngatia Linus Muchiri & Metto Collins Kiprop | 434 |
| 2009 | Peter Kamenju Njoroge | 438 |
| 2008 | Mutinda Monica Wairimu | 460 |
| 2007 | Master Maina Aduor Solomon | 455 |
| 2006 | Wamugi David Wanjuki | 453 |
| 2005 | Oduor Fredrick Constant | 461 |
| 2004 | Nyaosi Bugei Omete | 472 |
| 2003 | Marita Nyakundi Calvin | 482 |
Other top candidates in the country during preceding years include:
- Naeem Samnakay – 1985
- Gilbert Nyasoko Tengetta – 1988
- Allan Wanjala Baraza – 1999