Amid the national education system’s shift from the 8-4-4 model to Competency Based Education (CBE), parents and stakeholders in Lari sub-county are voicing concerns about unsatisfactory outcomes in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. They fear this downward trend might persist in the current year’s exams.
The 2025 results reveal that only one student achieved an A grade in the KCSE examinations, with 2,209 of the 3,918 candidates scoring between D+ and D-. The report further indicates that 412 students received an E grade, and in several institutions, the highest-performing students attained only C-, D+, or even lower marks.
Simon Wainaina, a concerned parent, noted that the sub-county’s performance has declined compared to two years prior, with the mean score dropping from 4.2610 in 2024 to 3.2629 in 2025. Wainaina expressed apprehension about this year’s KCSE candidates and how senior schools will adapt to the CBE system. “We need to understand what’s causing this situation,” he stated.
Under the leadership of Kiambu County Parents Association chairman Samuel Wanjema, parents expressed the belief that schools are failing to utilize their children’s time effectively. Wanjema emphasized that teachers’ fundamental responsibility is to ensure students complete the syllabus and adequately prepare for national examinations. “We parents have fulfilled our obligations by covering all necessary expenses, providing stationery and uniforms, and ensuring our children attend school regularly,” Wanjema explained.
Former Lari Kirenga Member of County Assembly Joseph Karichu described the declining trend as alarming and emphasized the need for urgent intervention, as it impacts numerous students’ futures. He pointed out that university admission rates have been decreasing annually, a development that should concern all residents. Now aspiring for the Lari parliamentary seat, Karichu advocated for improved strategies to motivate both students and teachers, thereby enhancing academic performance.
Affiliated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s DCP party, the politician stressed that education must be prioritized by the three key stakeholders: parents, students, and teachers. “We must work to elevate our students’ academic achievements. Failure to do so risks poor performance in senior schools as well, which would be deeply regrettable,” the parliamentary hopeful stated.
A native of the sub-county, Wanjema identified teacher demotivation and inadequate educational oversight by stakeholders as primary factors. “Many of our teachers lack motivation entirely. Numerous educators have become disconnected from their duties due to lack of supervision regarding classroom management practices,” Wanjema observed. “Additionally, reduced school funding has contributed to demotivation, limiting teachers’ opportunities for supplementary income,” he added.
However, during an address in Kimende town, Karichu called for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to enhance the mean score. “By focusing on improving our average performance, students will be motivated to achieve higher grades, increasing their chances of university admission.” Wanjema also mentioned that nearly all secondary schools, both day and boarding, possess adequate classrooms, laboratories, home science facilities, and other resources, providing learners with a favorable educational environment.