They are being called the "Miracle Class." The 2025 KCSE cohort, which has produced the highest number of university qualifiers in eight years (270,715), achieved this feat despite facing some of the most disruptive conditions in Kenya’s education history.

This group entered Form One just as the education calendar was recovering from the COVID-19 crash program. They endured compressed terms, teacher strikes, and the confusion of the 8-4-4 to CBC transition. Yet, they have posted a performance that has stunned policymakers.

Beating the Odds

• The COVID Shadow: These students missed crucial foundational months in primary school due to the pandemic lockdowns. Teachers had to work overtime to cover the syllabus gaps.
• Resource Scarcity: They sat exams amidst the withdrawal of the Edu-Afya medical cover and delayed capitation funds that left principals struggling to buy laboratory chemicals.
• Psychological Toll: The pressure was immense. As the second-to-last 8-4-4 class, they faced the fear of "missing out" on the university placements that might be prioritized for CBC pioneers in future.

A Legacy of Grit

"This class has shown us that resilience is a Kenyan value," said CS Julius Ogamba. Their success is a testament not just to their intellect, but to their endurance. As they head to university, they carry with them the hardened skin of survivors.