Female candidates from public schools topped the KCPE 2020 exam.
Faith Mumo emerged top with 433 marks. She is from Kari Mwailu Primary School in Makueni county.
Nanzala Wesonga from Chogoria Girls Primary School was the second best candidate with 432 marks.
The top four students were from public schools.
Nine students attained above 400 marks.
Girls performed slightly better in English, Kiswahili and Kenyan Sign Language.
A total of 2,543 candidates who registered for the KCPE exam did not sit the test, KNEC CEO Mercy Karogo said on Thursday during release of results.
A total of 1,181,725 registered for the exam but 1,179,182 sat the paper.
A total of 28,467 exam centres were used.
The KCPE exams were delayed as a result of Covid-19 pandemic.
The 2020 KCPE exam started on March 22 and ended on March 24, with rehearsals having been done on March 19.
Last year, 1,083,456 learners sat the 2019 exam.
Among 3,500 girls in primary school who were found to be pregnant, more than 200 candidates sat for the exam.
Education CS George Magoha spoke of the trials of reopening schools amid a pandemic.
“There were those who castigated the move, saying we were putting the lives of children at risk and making them guinea pigs….we stood firm,” he said.
Seven candidates were found with prepared notes in exam rooms.
Magoha said all results will be released, but culprits will be pursued.
