Nairobi County recorded the highest number of candidates in the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), with 71,022 learners sitting the exam.
The total number of learners who sat the exam across all 47 counties was 1,130,587, making this year’s numbers the largest number of candidates since the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) was introduced.
Kakamega County ranked second, recording 59,384 candidates, followed by Nakuru County with 54,028.
Bungoma placed fourth with 49,274, Kiambu fifth with 45,642, and Kilifi sixth with 40,217.
Top 10 Counties by KJSEA Candidate Numbers
- Nairobi – 71,022
- Kakamega – 59,384
- Nakuru – 54,028
- Bungoma – 49,274
- Kiambu – 45,642
- Kilifi – 40,217
- Narok – 32,030
- Siaya – 31,595
- Uasin Gishu – 26,867
- Nandi – 26,063
These counties represent regions with strong enrollment patterns, which have been attributed to urbanization, agricultural productivity, and sustained investment in education infrastructure.
Lamu Lags Behind
Lamu County had the lowest participation with 3,488 candidates, followed by Isiolo with 3,979 and Samburu with 5,372.
The bottom 10 counties by candidate numbers were:
- West Pokot – 9,876
- Turkana – 8,112
- Wajir – 7,845
- Tana River – 7,214
- Mandera – 6,642
- Garissa – 6,665
- Marsabit – 6,351
- Samburu – 5,372
- Isiolo – 3,979
- Lamu – 3,488
The figures by the Ministry of Education confirmed persistent challenges in northern and coastal counties, where insecurity, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit school attendance.
Regional Patterns
Western Kenya dominated participation, led by Kakamega, second nationally with 59,384 candidates, and Bungoma, fourth with 49,274.
Siaya ranked eighth at 31,595, while Busia and Vihiga placed 12th and 21st with 27,184 and 17,882, respectively, registering high numbers similar to previous years.
Participation in Central Kenya counties remained within the mid-range bracket.
Nyeri ranked 24th with 15,647 candidates, Embu 28th at 13,412, and Kirinyaga 30th with 12,003.
Rift Valley showed sharp contrasts.
Narok ranked seventh nationally with 32,030 candidates, while Uasin Gishu and Nandi ranked ninth and tenth with 26,867 and 26,063, respectively.
Kajiado followed at 14th with 24,793, signaling progress in areas previously underserved.
Coastal Kenya remained mixed, with Kilifi ranked sixth with 40,217 candidates, far ahead of Kwale at 18th with 22,795, and Mombasa at 20th with 20,745, and Lamu was last nationally with only 3,488 candidates, signifying persistent educational challenges in remote coastal areas.
Northern and North Eastern counties dominated the bottom of the table.
Also Read: Govt Sets Record Straight on Students Changing Senior Schools After KJSEA Results
Isiolo ranked 46th with 3,979 candidates; Samburu ranked 45th with 5,372; Marsabit ranked 44th with 6,351; Garissa ranked 43rd with 6,665; and Mandera ranked 42nd with 6,642.
Implications for Resource Allocation and School Planning
The distribution of KJSEA candidates across counties is set to play a central role in government planning for junior secondary education ahead of the 2026 academic year.
The Ministry of Education relies on verified candidate data to determine how capitation funds, instructional materials, and teaching personnel are allocated across public junior secondary schools.
Counties posting higher candidate numbers generally face increased demand for classrooms, desks, textbooks, and specialised learning facilities to support learners advancing to the next level.
The candidate figures also inform teacher deployment and redistribution exercises carried out after examination results are finalised.
Areas recording sustained enrolment growth, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings, are prioritised for additional staffing to address classroom congestion and balance teacher workloads.
Also Read: How to Check 2025 KJSEA Results Online
In contrast, counties with lower participation levels are assessed for alternative measures, including school mergers, mobile learning initiatives, and targeted programmes designed to improve enrolment and retention.
The final KJSEA data similarly guide infrastructure planning.
Education authorities use the figures to identify schools requiring expansion, renovation, or temporary learning structures.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
