x̄ - > KCSE Computer Studies Topical Question Bank (1996–2024)

Organised by topic — each card contains a concise concept focus, a sampled KCSE question (1996–2024), a worked solution and examiner tips. Ideal for focused revision and classroom practice.

1. Fundamentals of Computers & ICT

Concept focus: characteristics of computers, types (analog, digital, hybrid), generations, basic components and uses.

Sample KCSE 2012 – Paper 1
State three characteristics of a computer.

Speed, accuracy, and storage capacity. (Also: automation, versatility).

✅ Marking tip: 1 mark per characteristic; accept brief correct phrases (3 marks).

2. Hardware & Peripherals

Concept focus: CPU, memory (RAM/ROM), secondary storage, input/output devices, ports and connectors.

Sample KCSE 2015 – Paper 2
Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, used for temporary storage while programs run; ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile, stores firmware and bootstrap programs and cannot be modified during normal operation.

✅ Marking tip: 1 mark for volatility, 1 mark for typical use, accept other correct comparisons (2–3 marks).

3. Software & Operating Systems

Concept focus: system vs application software, OS functions (scheduling, memory management, file systems), utility programs.

Sample KCSE 2018 – Paper 1
List four functions of an operating system.

Process management, memory management, file management, device management (I/O control), user interface (shell).

✅ Marking tip: 1 mark per correct function up to 4 marks.

4. Data Representation & Number Systems

Concept focus: binary, hexadecimal, conversion between bases, characters (ASCII/Unicode), units of storage.

Sample KCSE 2016 – Paper 2
Convert binary 110101 to decimal.

110101₂ = 1×2⁵ +1×2⁴ +0×2³ +1×2² +0×2¹ +1×2⁰ = 32+16+0+4+0+1=53₁₀.

✅ Marking tip: award marks for correct place-value calculation and final answer (2–3 marks).

5. Algorithms & Programming Basics

Concept focus: algorithm design, flowcharts, pseudocode, programming constructs (sequence, selection, iteration), simple debugging.

Sample KCSE 2019 – Paper 2
Write pseudocode to find the sum of even numbers from 1 to 20.

sum = 0
for i = 2 to 20 step 2
  sum = sum + i
endfor
print sum

Final Sum = 110.

✅ Marking tip: 1–2 marks for correct loop logic, 1 mark for initialization, 1 mark for final output.

6. Programming (Structured Programming Concepts)

Concept focus: variables, data types, arrays, functions/procedures, parameter passing, sample language constructs (pseudo-Python/Basic).

Sample KCSE 2020 – Paper 2
Given the function in pseudocode: function square(x) return x*x. Write code to print squares of numbers 1 to 5.

for i from 1 to 5
  print square(i)
endfor

Outputs: 1,4,9,16,25.

✅ Marking tip: award marks for correct loop and function call (2–3 marks).

7. Databases & Data Management

Concept focus: database concepts (tables, records, fields), primary keys, queries (SQL basics), normalization (1NF), forms and reports.

Sample KCSE 2017 – Practical
Write an SQL query to select all students with grade 'A' from table Results.

SELECT * FROM Results WHERE Grade = 'A';

✅ Marking tip: 1 mark for SELECT, 1 mark for WHERE clause and condition (2 marks).

8. Networking & Internet Technologies

Concept focus: types of networks (LAN, WAN), topologies, protocols (TCP/IP), IP addressing basics, DNS, email, web services.

Sample KCSE 2014 – Paper 2
State two differences between LAN and WAN.

LAN covers a small geographic area and is usually privately owned; WAN covers large geographic areas and may use public or leased services. LAN offers higher data rates and lower latency compared to WAN.

✅ Marking tip: 1 mark per correct difference with brief justification (2–3 marks).

9. Web Design & Internet Applications

Concept focus: HTML basics, CSS, client-server model, web forms, basic JavaScript concepts, web publishing.

Sample KCSE 2018 – Paper 2
Write a simple HTML snippet to create a link to http://www.example.com with link text "Visit".

<a href="http://www.example.com">Visit</a>

✅ Marking tip: 1 mark for correct tag and href, 1 mark for link text (2 marks).

10. Spreadsheets & ICT in Business

Concept focus: formulas, functions (SUM, AVERAGE, IF), charting, data validation, modelling and business applications.

Sample KCSE 2019 – Practical
Write a spreadsheet formula to compute VAT (16%) on cell B2 and place result in C2.

C2 = B2 * 0.16

✅ Marking tip: 1 mark for correct formula, 1 mark for cell referencing (2 marks).

11. Computer Security & Ethics

Concept focus: malware types, authentication, encryption basics, backup strategies, cyber ethics and responsible use.

Sample KCSE 2016 – Paper 1
State two methods of protecting a computer against viruses.

Install and regularly update antivirus software; avoid opening unknown email attachments; keep OS and applications patched; use firewalls.

✅ Marking tip: 1 mark per valid protection measure (up to 2–3 marks).

12. Emerging Technologies & Computer Applications

Concept focus: cloud computing, mobile computing, AI basics, IoT, e-learning and e-commerce applications.

Sample KCSE 2021 – Paper 2
Define cloud computing and give one advantage for schools.

Cloud computing: delivery of computing services (servers, storage, databases, networking, software) over the internet (the cloud). Advantage: easy access to resources and backups from any location; reduced need for local infrastructure.

✅ Marking tip: 1–2 marks for definition, 1 mark for advantage (2–3 marks).

KCSE Computer Studies Topical Question Bank (1996–2024) — topical revision cards: concise concept notes, KCSE past-paper style practice, worked answers and examiner hints. Tell me if you want this exported as a downloadable HTML file or printable PDF.