What next after failing your form 4 KCSE exam

Revised on January 8, 2024 by Elkanah Nyauma

The 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam results are out and many students have had enough time to think and decide on what to do; to go back to form 4 and do better than they did for those who feel they did not perform well, to pursue what they have always wanted for those who did well or change courses and follow their dreams later for others.

Many students who sat for their KCSE last year are asking themselves many questions concerning their individual performance. Some of these include, why did I fail to score good grades as I had anticipated? How is life going to be now that I cannot go to university? I do not want to repeat form 4! What should I do? These are some of the questions going through the minds of the students.

The response to such questions is straightforward. You don’t wake up one day and accomplish your dreams. Education is a journey that takes time before you can accomplish something great.

Whether you scored grade D- in your KCSE exams or failed to meet the cluster points, you can become what you always wanted to be. We have seen individuals fizzling in form four yet at the same time accomplishing their dreams with determination. I know you are asking yourself how this can be possible. This is what you can do.

You can start with a certificate, then do a diploma and then a degree. This will depend on how patient and hardworking you are. Have the discipline and focus. Everything good is achievable.

Get the help you need, talk to a career coach or advisor. Seek help from good friends, teachers or even counselors. Do not listen to naysayers. Follow your heart.

Remember also that year in and year out, top performing candidates prefer medicine, law and engineering courses. But the truth is, not all of them pursue their paths to the end. Many end up changing courses while others drop out of campus. What a mistake that you can’t afford to make!

These inconveniences, unnecessary expenses and time wastage can be avoided. Make an informed choice right now. You will never regret it.

Career choice should not be dependent on what students scored, what their parents and teachers want them to pursue, or the money they will earn in their careers if they pursue certain courses. It should be meaningfully thought through to hone practical and professional skills and knowledge to fully equip the student and make them fully baked for their careers that will be pegged on values and tenets of ethics.

~ Lilian Mwangi, a third-year student at Moi University