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Secondary schools close to start 74 day holiday amid KCSE rehearsals

Teachers Arena

Secondary schools have began to close to start the longest holiday this year. The schools are closing at a time the KCSE candidates are having their rehearsals.

Though the Ministry of Education had set 24th October as closing date for basic learning institutions, Principals made the decision to close early to allow the KCSE candidates to start their rehearsals without interruptions.

The closing also come after Principals lamented over delays in releasing school capitation funds by the government.

They expressed frustrations in running schools without funds. Parliament suspended activities following death of PM Raila Odinga.

Education CS Julius Ogamba was to appear before MPs Wednesday to answer questions over school capitation delays.

The KCSE rehearsals proceeded in schools countrywide today Friday 17th October despite being a public holiday.

Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, on Thursday declared the holiday to honor former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who died in India.

However according to Ministry of Education officials, postponing the rehearsals would be costly as it will significantly disrupt the national examination calendar.

The decision followed a similar pattern, as Knec has in the past maintained examinations timetables despite newly declared public holidays.

Teachers appointed as centre managers, supervisors and invigilators availed themselves in various secondary schools (exam centres) to make the rehearsal exercise successful.

The secondary school learners will resume on 6th January, 2026 which is the date when first school term starts.

The Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof Julius K. Bitok, released a circular highlighting school term dates in 2026.

RE: 2026 TERM DATES FOR BASIC EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS                                 

Below are the 2026 Term dates for Basic Education Institutions.

PRE-PRIMARY, PRIMARY, JUNIOR, SENIOR AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TERM DATES 2026

 OPENINGCLOSINGDURATION
Term I6th January, 20262nd April, 202613 Weeks
Half term25th February, 20261st March, 20265 Days
April Holiday7th April, 202624th April, 20263 Weeks
Term II27th April, 202631st July, 202614 Weeks
Half term24th June, 202628th June, 20265 Days
August Holiday3rd August, 202621st August, 20263 Weeks
Term III24th August, 202623rd October, 20269 Weeks
KPSEA26th October, 202629th October, 20264 Days
KILEA26th October, 202630th October, 20265 Days
KJSEA & KPLEA26th October, 20265th November, 20267 Days
KCSE2nd November, 202620th November, 20263 Weeks
December Holiday26th October, 20261st January, 202710 Weeks
  1. KPSEA — Kenya Primary Education Assessment.
  2. KILEA — Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment.
  3. KJSEA -Kenya Junior School Education Assessment.
  4. KPLEA — Kenya Pre-Vocational Izvcl Educaüon Assessment

DIPLOMA TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGES ACADEMIC CALENDAR, 2026

 OPENINGCLOSINGDURATION
Term I6th January, 20262nd April, 202613 Weeks
April Holiday7th April, 202624th April, 20263 Weeks
Term II27th April, 202631st July, 202614 Weeks
August Holiday3rd August, 202621st August, 20263 Weeks
Term III24th August, 20266th November, 202611 Weeks
December Holiday9th November, 20261st January, 20278 Weeks

1. This circular should be distributed to all the institutions of Basic Education under your jurisdiction.
2. Activities and visits to Secondary Schools in third term 2026 remain banned as per the earlier circulars.

Amb. (Prof) Julius K. Bitok, CBS
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY

KCSE 2025 EXAM TIMETABLE

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