University Grading System in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

Get a complete understanding of the grading systems employed by Kenyan universities and how they impact your academic progress. Decode the ranks from Distinction to Fail at reputable institutions like MKU and UON

Joseph Richard

Oct 30, 2023 - 19:12

University Grading System in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you embarking on your academic journey at a Kenyan university or perhaps contemplating enrolling in one? Understanding the university grading system in Kenya is crucial, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping your academic future. As you prepare to dive into this informative guide, rest assured that you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how Kenyan universities assess your performance. In this article, we'll explore the grading systems from various prestigious institutions, shedding light on how your academic journey will be evaluated.

University Grading System in Kenya: Decoding the Ranks

In Kenya, the grading system varies between universities and is often contingent upon the specific course you're pursuing. To ensure that you're well-prepared to navigate this terrain, we will delve into the grading systems of several prominent Kenyan universities.

Mount Kenya University (MKU) Grading System

At Mount Kenya University, academic performance is evaluated based on a system that accumulates and averages marks for individual students per unit. When these marks are aggregated to determine your final degree class, the MKU GPA calculator comes into play.

70% and above - A (Distinction)
60% – 69% - B (Credit)
50% – 59% - C (Satisfactory)
40% – 49% - D (Pass)
39% and Below - E (Fail)

Notably, the pass mark at MKU is 40% across most courses. This grading system ensures that your academic efforts directly impact your ultimate degree classification.

University of Nairobi (UON) Grading System

The University of Nairobi adopts a distinct grading system, emphasizing a division of coursework and final examinations. Let's explore how your performance is evaluated at UON:

For individual units:

70 and above - A
60 to 69 - B
50 to 59 - C
40 to 49 - D
00 to 39 - E

Additionally, UON employs the following scoring criterion for final degree classifications:

First Class Honours - 70 and above
Second Class Honours (upper) - 60 to 69
Second Class Honours (lower) - 50 to 59
Pass - 40 to 49

If you're studying at the University of Nairobi, you'll find that your results are conveniently uploaded to the UON student portal for easy access.

Technical University of Kenya (TUK) Grading System

The Technical University of Kenya employs a unique grading system for various programs. Here's a breakdown of how TUK evaluates academic performance:

Postgraduate Diplomas:

75-100 Grade - A (Distinction)
65-74 Grade - B (Credit)
50-64 Grade - C (Pass)
Below 50 Grade - D (Fail)

Master's Degree Coursework:

75-100 - A
65-74 - B
50-64 - C
Below 50 - Fail

Undergraduate Programs (CATs and End of Semester Exams):

70% and above - A
60% and above but below 70% - B
50% and above but below 60% - C
40% and above but below 50% - D
Below 40% – F (Fail)

Understanding the grading system at TUK is essential for students pursuing various levels of education within this institution.

Kenyatta University (KU) Grading System

Kenyatta University employs a straightforward grading system, allowing students to gauge their academic performance based on the following scale:

75 and above - A
65 to 74 - B
50 to 64 - C
49 and below - E

This grading system at Kenyatta University clarifies how your scores translate into academic progress.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Grading System

At JKUAT, academic evaluation is rooted in a comprehensive system that considers CATs, exams, and cumulative degree awards:

CATs and Exams:

70% and above - A
60% and above but below 70% - B
50% and above but below 60% - C
Below 50% – F (Fail)

Cumulative Degree Award:

First Class Honours - 70% and above
Second Class Honours (Upper) - 60 to 69%
Second Class Honours (Lower) - 50 to 59%
Pass - 40 to 49%
Fail - Below 40%

These grading systems at JKUAT ensure that students are well-informed about how their academic performances are assessed.

Moi University Grading System in Kenya

Moi University's grading system closely mirrors that of the University of Nairobi for various programs. However, for master's and doctoral degrees, the following grades apply:

72% and above – A (Distinction)
65 to 74% – B (Credit)
50 to 64% – C (Pass)
Below 50% – D (Fail)

Understanding the nuances of Moi University's grading system is essential for those pursuing advanced degrees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the intricate university grading system in Kenya is pivotal for every student's academic journey. Different institutions employ diverse grading scales, but each one shares the common goal of assessing your performance and guiding your progress. Armed with this comprehensive guide, you can confidently embark on your educational odyssey in Kenya, knowing that you possess a thorough understanding of how your academic efforts will be evaluated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the pass mark at Mount Kenya University (MKU)?

The pass mark at MKU is set at 40% for most courses.

How does the University of Nairobi (UON) calculate final degree classifications?

UON employs a grading system that includes First Class Honours (70 and above), Second Class Honours (upper division - 60 to 69), Second Class Honours (lower division - 50 to 59), and Pass (40 to 49) for final degree classifications.

What is the grading system for postgraduate diplomas at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK)?

For postgraduate diplomas at TUK, the grading system includes A (Distinction), B (Credit), C (Pass), and D (Fail).

What is the grading scale at Kenyatta University (KU)?

Kenyatta University uses a grading scale that includes A (75 and above), B (65 to 74), C (50 to 64), and E (49 and below).

How does Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) evaluate academic performance for cumulative degree awards?

JKUAT employs a cumulative degree award system that includes First Class Honours (70% and above), Second Class Honours (Upper Division - 60 to 69%), Second Class Honours (Lower Division - 50 to 59%), Pass (40 to 49%), and Fail (Below 40%).

What grading system does Moi University use for master's and doctoral degrees?

Moi University uses a grading system for master's and doctoral degrees that includes A (Distinction), B (Credit), C (Pass), and D (Fail).

How are students at Moi University penalized for irregularities during exams?

Students at Moi University who engage in irregularities during exams may face penalties, including expulsion or warning letters, depending on the severity of the violation.

Can students at Kenyatta University (KU) skip class attendance for specific courses?

Class attendance is optional for most courses at Kenyatta University, except for those pursuing medical or engineering studies.

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Joseph Richard Joseph is a graduate of Mathematics and Computer Science (Applied Option). With expertise in Technology and Finance, he brings his knowledge to the field, demonstrating an authoritative understanding of these interrelated areas. Joseph is pursuing a Master's in Software Engineering, further expanding his skill set.