Deaf Candidates Secure Record University Entry Slots in 2025 KCSE

Education Updated: 11 January 2026 00:47 EAT

The release of the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results has brought a wave of celebration across the country, particularly within the Deaf community. Breaking through systemic challenges, learners from various special schools for the deaf have posted impressive results, with a significant number qualifying for direct university entry.

Across the nation, specialized institutions have proven that with the right support, disability is not an inability.

The following schools stood out for their academic excellence:
Fr. Ouderaa Special School for the Deaf (Nyangoma, Siaya County): Emerging as a powerhouse in the region, the school recorded a diverse range of high grades. Two students achieved a B, while four secured a C+, qualifying them for direct university admission. A total of six students scored C-, and another eleven achieved D+ or D grades.

Kuja Special School for the Deaf (Migori County): The school continues its tradition of excellence with two students scoring B- and one student securing a C+, paving their way to higher education.

Garissa Special School for the Deaf: In a remarkable show of resilience, Garissa recorded one B- and one C+. Additionally, eight students scored C plains, while two achieved C-, demonstrating a strong middle-grade density.

Kapsabet Special School for the Deaf: The institution proudly announced that three students from their 2025 cohort have officially qualified for university placement.

The success of these students comes at a time when the Ministry of Education has noted a general improvement in national performance. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba reported that 270,715 candidates nationally scored a C+ and above in 2025, an increase from the previous year.

Notably, the CS highlighted that female candidates outperformed males in Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), which remains a critical subject for the inclusivity and academic success of Deaf learners.