The Ministry’s 2027 co-curricular activities calendar sets the national schedule for sports, music, drama, science fairs and regional competitions. This clear timeline helps schools plan participation, travel and training for the year. Use this guide to understand key dates, major events per term, and practical steps your school should take to prepare and comply.
Key Takeaways
- Term 1 events run mainly in March–April and include athletics, drama, science fairs and teacher training college games.
- Term 2 focuses on ball games, national music festival and regional East Africa championships in July–September.
- Hosts and venues are confirmed for many events (Machakos, Mombasa, Embu, Kisii); some venues will be communicated later.
- Regional Directors must distribute copies of the calendar and ensure field officers use it when organizing sub-county, county and regional competitions.
- Schools should begin preparations early: select teams, book travel, and arrange clinics and training dates listed in the calendar.
Overview of the 2027 co-curricular activities calendar
The 2027 co-curricular activities calendar is organised by the Ministry of Education and covers national and post-national competitions across basic education institutions, teacher training colleges and TVETs. It gives precise dates for arrival, clinics, opening ceremonies, action days and departures so schools and organizers can plan logistics, supervision and compliance with safeguarding rules.
Term 1: March – April major events
Term 1 hosts several flagship national competitions. Key events and dates include:
- Secondary Schools Sports (Under 18): 8–15 April 2027 — Rugby 15s, Athletics, Basketball 5×5, Hockey, Handball, Cross Country, Swimming. Host region: Eastern; Host county: Machakos. Clinics and arrival dates fall on 9–11 April.
- Primary Schools (Under 12): 8–15 April 2027 — Athletics, Kids Athletics, Gymnastics, Cross Country. Hosted in Machakos with similar clinic and action-day schedules.
- National Drama and Film Festival: 9–21 April 2027 — Hosted in Embu with opening events around 11 April.
- Kenya Science and Engineering Fair: 28 March – 4 April 2027 — Junior and secondary categories at Shimo La Tewa, Mombasa. Arrival and clinic days are specified to allow exhibitor preparation.
- Teacher Training Colleges Games: Late March – early April (athletics and other competitions) held at Shanzu TTC, Mombasa.
Term 2: July – September major events
Term 2 emphasises ball games, music and regional championships. Notable items:
- Secondary School Sports (Under 18): 24 July – 1 August 2027 — Soccer, Volleyball, Netball, Rugby 7s, Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis, Chess, Scrabble and Basketball 3×3. Specific venues to be communicated.
- Kenya Music Festival: 20 July – 3 August 2027 — Host region Nyanza, host county Kisii. Action days and gala events span late July.
- FEASSA Camp & Championship: Training camp mid-August followed by the FEASSA games in Kigali, Rwanda from 24 August – 2 September 2027.
- East Africa Music, Dance & Drama: 18–28 August 2027 hosted in Uganda.
Responsibilities and actions for schools and regional offices
All Regional Directors of Education and school leaders must follow the calendar closely. Required actions include:
- Make and distribute enough copies of the calendar to basic education institutions under their jurisdiction.
- Ensure field officers and schools refer to the calendar when organising sub-county, county and regional competitions.
- Confirm team selections, clinics and travel arrangements to meet the arrival and action-day schedules shown for each event.
- Monitor compliance with student welfare, medical clearances, and supervision requirements during travel and competitions.
How schools should prepare
Start preparations early to avoid last-minute issues. Practical steps include:
- Identify and register teams and participants by category (Under 12, Under 15, Under 18, special schools).
- Schedule training clinics aligned to the calendar clinic dates (for example clinics in early April for Term 1 events).
- Secure travel, accommodation and permissions for opening ceremonies and departure dates listed in the calendar.
- Ensure athletes and performers have medical checks and parental consent where required.
Useful resources and study links
While planning participation, schools and teachers can use national curriculum and exam resources to balance academic work and co-curricular training. Relevant study and exam resources include:
- CBC exam practice and resources — helpful for primary and junior school timetabling around competitions.
- KCPE exam materials — use these to keep learners on track during co-curricular seasons.
- KCSE / KSCE revision resources — support senior students balancing national sports and exam preparation.
Summary of key dates
- Kenya Science & Engineering Fair: 28 March – 4 April 2027 (Mombasa)
- Teacher Training Colleges Athletics: 26 March – 4 April 2027 (Mombasa)
- Term 1 national sports and school events: 8–15 April 2027 (Machakos region for many events)
- Term 2 national ball games and music festival: 20 July – early August 2027
- FEASSA and East Africa events: August – early September 2027
Follow the calendar closely, plan early, and use available curriculum and exam resources to maintain academic progress while participating in national co-curricular activities. Proper planning ensures safe travel, strong performances and minimal disruption to learning.
