First Time Female Candidates Outnumber Males in 2024 KCSE Exams.
For the first time since the introduction of national examinations, the number of female candidates has surpassed their male counterparts in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
This development marks a significant milestone in gender parity within education in Kenya.
Age Distribution of Candidates
The majority of candidates registered for the 2024 KCSE exams fall within the ideal age range of 17 to 19 years, representing over 70% of the total candidates. Detailed statistics reveal that:
| Age Group | Number of Candidates | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| 16 and Below | 2,546 | 2.29% |
| 17 to 19 Years | 684,765 | 75.95% |
| 20 Years and Above | 198,482 | 22.07% |
Notably, the proportion of younger candidates aged 16 and below increased from 16,040 in 2023 (1.77%) to 2,546 in 2024 (2.29%), reflecting a growing trend of early participation.
Gender Dynamics
This is the first occurrence since the inception of the KCSE examinations where female candidates have outnumbered male candidates.
Education officials have described this shift as a testament to the growing efforts to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for girls in education.
Read Also: Ministry of Education Secures Sh48bn Capitation for 2025 Academic Year
Key Observations
- Age-Appropriate Registrations: The increase in candidates within the appropriate age bracket underscores the effectiveness of initiatives encouraging timely school progression.
- Closing Gender Gaps: The historic outnumbering of male candidates by females highlights the success of gender-focused educational reforms.
First Time Female Candidates Outnumber Males in 2024 KCSE Exams
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