Western Kenya’s academic giants stumble in 2025 KCSE results

By Newsflash Reporter

Gloom clouded large parts of Western Kenya after several long-established academic heavyweights in the region posted a decline in performance in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination.

An unusual hush fell over many secondary schools immediately after the release of the results, a sharp departure from the jubilation that accompanied last year’s outcome.

In a region that has steadily built a reputation as an academic force nationally, expectations had been high for thanksgiving services, media briefings and congratulatory statements from school administrators.

Instead, journalists traversing Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga counties were met with locked offices, unanswered phone calls and visibly cautious administrators. Unlike previous years, when principals openly analysed grades and proudly introduced top performers, many school heads this time kept a low profile.

Some declined to speak altogether, blaming delays in receiving official results or technical challenges within the examination system.

At St Peter’s Mumias Boys High School in Kakamega County, the atmosphere was notably restrained. The deputy principal declined to reveal the school’s performance, explaining that the administration was still awaiting formal confirmation from the Ministry of Education. He warned that relying on unofficial online sources could result in errors and confusion.

Flagship schools on guard

A similar mood was evident at Kakamega High School, one of the region’s most prominent national institutions. Chief Principal Aliva Luvaso avoided direct media interaction, delegating the task to director of studies Musebe Wanyonyi. The school recorded a mean score of 8.1, with 11 candidates scoring straight As and 49 attaining A minus. Charles Simiyu topped the school with 84 points.

Attempts to get comments from Lugulu Girls High School in Bungoma County were unsuccessful, with teachers saying the school was not yet prepared to address the media. At Friends School Kamusinga, journalists waited for hours as administrators cited system failures and incomplete results. At Butere Girls, Principal Linda Zalo said she had not fully accessed the results and could not comment.

Pockets of hope amid gloom

In Busia County, anxiety was more evident among parents. Nangina Girls’ top candidate reportedly managed a B+, while Kolanya Girls National School registered one A alongside several A grades. Bukhalalire Boys High School recorded a single A.

Despite the overall gloom, a few private institutions recorded modest celebrations. At Fesbeth High School, students and teachers marked the achievement of top candidates Precious Juma and Collins Juma, who scored A minus grades with 76 points.

School director Oliver Minishi said the school’s mean score had improved, crediting discipline and consistency.

In Vihiga County, low-key celebrations were reported in several schools. Attention centred on Charity Imani of Bunyore Girls High School, who scored an impressive Grade A with 84 points after attaining straight As in all subjects. She attributed her success to discipline, hard work and teamwork.