Secondary schools in Kenya are set to commence a 74-day holiday in light of the ongoing KCSE rehearsals. This unprecedented early closure comes despite the Ministry of Education’s scheduled closing date of 24th October for basic learning institutions. Principals decided to close the schools early to facilitate uninterrupted preparations for KCSE candidates.
Key Takeaways
- Secondary schools are closing early to allow for KCSE rehearsals.
- Delays in school capitation funds have caused frustration among school principals.
- The holiday honors the late former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
- The first term for secondary students will resume on 6th January 2026.
The closure decision follows complaints from principals regarding delays in receiving government capitation funds, which have hindered school operations. The importance of proceeding with the KCSE rehearsals was emphasized by the Ministry of Education, which informed that any postponement could significantly disrupt the national examination calendar. Teachers appointed as center managers, supervisors, and invigilators have ensured that the rehearsal exercises are conducted successfully across various schools despite the public holiday.
In line with this, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, recently declared public holidays to honor the memory of Raila Odinga, who passed away in India. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba is expected to respond to parliamentary inquiries regarding the delays in the release of capitation funds.
2026 School Term Dates
The Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Prof Julius K. Bitok, has released details regarding the term dates for the year 2026:
- Term I: Opens on 6th January 2026 and closes on 2nd April 2026 (13 Weeks)
- Half Term: 25th February 2026 to 1st March 2026 (5 Days)
- April Holiday: 7th April 2026 to 24th April 2026 (3 Weeks)
- Term II: Opens on 27th April 2026 and closes on 31st July 2026 (14 Weeks)
- Half Term: 24th June 2026 to 28th June 2026 (5 Days)
- August Holiday: 3rd August 2026 to 21st August 2026 (3 Weeks)
- Term III: Opens on 24th August 2026 and closes on 23rd October 2026 (9 Weeks)
Upcoming assessments include the Kenya Primary Education Assessment (KPSEA), the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA), and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA). The KCSE is set for 2nd November 2026 to 20th November 2026.
For more academic resources and past examination papers, visit our website. For example, you can access KCPE past papers and KCSE past papers for better preparation.
