Statement from KENAPCO Chairperson Dr Ekrah Ndungu on KCSE Results

“As a nation we must celebrate excellence, but we cannot ignore the thousands who did not achieve high grades. These young men and women are not failures. An exam is only one lens—it does not measure creativity, resilience, or the ability to solve real-world problems. The candidates who scored below C+ aren’t failures,they were tested for what they’re not passionate about. They’re now out of class to face the class they’ll create for themselves in life.

Kenya’s future will not be built by grades alone, but by skills, discipline, and innovation. Private TVET colleges stand ready to open doors for those overlooked by the university system. We see potential in every learner, whether they excel in books, in hands-on training, or in people-centered professions.

Our responsibility is clear: to redirect, not to reject. To dignify every pathway, not to brand anyone as wasted. Every child has a gift. Every child has a future. And when given the right environment, every child can thrive.”
Here’s a sharper continuation of your statement, Dr. Ekrah, that highlights specific pathways for learners with C, C-, D+, and E grades. It keeps the advocacy tone but adds practical direction for parents, students, and policymakers:

“…Our responsibility is clear: to redirect, not to reject. To dignify every pathway, not to brand anyone as wasted. Every child has a gift. Every child has a future. And when given the right environment, every child can thrive.

For those who scored C, C-, D+, and E, the journey is not closed—it is simply redirected. These grades open doors to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), where learners can acquire practical skills that are in high demand both locally and globally.

📚 Pathways Available

• C and C- Students
• Eligible for Diploma programs in TVET institutions.
• Fields include hospitality, ICT, business management, health sciences, and applied sciences.
• With strong performance, they can later bridge into university through credit transfers.
• D+ Students
• Qualify for Craft Certificate courses in areas such as plumbing, electrical installation, automotive engineering, fashion design, and catering.
• These programs are typically 1–2 years and lead directly into employment or entrepreneurship.
• D and E Students
• Can enroll in Artisan Certificate programs (entry-level technical training).
• Pathways include masonry, carpentry, welding, hairdressing, beauty therapy, and agriculture.
• With dedication, learners can progress step by step—from Artisan to Craft, then Diploma, and eventually to higher education.

🌍 Why These Pathways Matter
Kenya’s economy urgently needs skilled professionals in technical trades, service industries, creative sectors, and entrepreneurship. These careers demand discipline, adaptability, and human connection—qualities that exams alone cannot measure.

Private TVET colleges under KENAPCO are committed to:

• Providing structured mentorship and exposure.
• Restoring dignity to vocational training.
• Ensuring that no learner is left behind, regardless of exam results.

“Let us move beyond celebration alone and embrace inclusion, guidance, and hope. KCSE results are not the end of the story—they are the beginning of diverse journeys. Every learner has value, every learner has a future, and with the right support, every learner can bloom.”