Academic grading in Kenya

Academic grading in Kenya ^[1] is the grading system of Kenya.

Secondary school

In Kenya, the grading system varies according to the overall performance of candidates in the national exam called Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

All grade thresholds change per year according to the intensity of the exam. As of 2019, Exghest Mean Grade (A) equated to a percentage of 81+, although below is the Standard Grading System that is implemented as a base for all series of examinations.

Percent	Grade	0–13%	E	1

Examinees are awarded an overall grade for the subjects examined. Students sit for 7, 8, or 9 subjects, but the overall grade and points are calculated from 7 subjects, as follows:

• Three courses from Group 1: 101 English, 102 Kiswahili and 121 Mathematics are required
• Two courses from Group 2: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry
• One course from Group 3: History and Government, Geography, CRE/IRE/HRE
• An additional course not among those mentioned above

Undergraduate Degree

Undergraduate degree grading system in Kenya is summarized by the table below:

Grade	Scale (%)	Description
A	70.0 - 100.0	First Class Honours
B	60.0 - 69.0	Second Class Honours (Upper Division )
C	50.0 - 59.0	Second Class Honours (Lower Division )
D	40.0 - 49.0	Pass
E	0.0 - 39.0	Fail

References

1. Waruguru, Grace (10 February 2022). "Academic grading in Kenya for primary, secondary, and university education - Tuko.co.ke". tuko.co.ke. Retrieved 2 May 2025.