Matiang'i Releases 2017 KCPE Results, Top Candidate Scores 455 Marks

2017 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations top candidate has scored 455 marks - an improvement over last year's 437 marks, the Ministry of Education discloses.

Announcing the results at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development on Tuesday morning, Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i attributed the improvement to strict rules in schools and the manner in which the tests were administered.

“Our highest candidate this year scored 455 marks. You know last year, the top candidate got 437 marks which is a remarkable improvement. In fact, if last year’s top candidate was ranked, they would not even be in the top 20 category this year because we have candidates who have performed very well,” he said.

A total of 9,846 candidates attained 400 marks and above, with Matiang'i guaranteeing those with above 400 marks places in national schools. No incidents of malpractices were identified in this year's exam, meaning each candidate who sat for the test will receive their results.

The Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) said the quick marking and release of the results was enabled by the 20 newly acquired Sh100 million automated Optical Mark Recognition machines that fastened the marking process.

“This time I want to guarantee you and you can take it to the bank. There shall be no complaints because our marks are at 99.98 per cent which means that each child will get what is due to him,” KNEC Chairman George Magoha stated, adding that the automated machines reduced the work force by up to 50 per cent.