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School reopening: Term 3 closing date, national exams and holiday dates parents should know
22nd August, 2026 08:52 AM
Parents and learners preparing for the final term of the year can rest easy as basic education institutions open on August 24, 2026.
The Ministry of Education has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the school calendar was altered, assuring families that preparations for the shortest term of the year should proceed without delay.
Addressing misleading reports surrounding the school calendar, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed that all learning centres will adhere strictly to the approved schedule.
“We wish to clarify that the academic calendar for basic education institutions and Teacher Training Colleges remains unchanged,” Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba stated in a press release dated August 19, 2026.
Term 3 schedule for schools and colleges
Primary and secondary schools across the country will open on August 24, 2026, for a nine-week session. The basic education calendar for the third term will conclude on October 23, 2026.
Given the tight timeline of this term, learners will not have a half-term break, allowing teachers maximum time to complete the syllabus before national assessments start.
Teacher Training Colleges will also reopen on August 24, 2026, with their academic term running through to November 6, 2026.
Education field officers have been directed to ensure compliance with operational guidelines across all counties.
Routine activities such as parental visiting days and non-academic co-curricular events remain suspended throughout Term 3 to give candidates a quiet environment for study.
National exam dates and holiday schedule
National examinations and assessments will proceed as scheduled under the Kenya National Examinations Council timetable.
Grade 6 candidates will sit the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, while Grade 9 learners write the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment alongside special needs candidates taking the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment.
Secondary school candidates will sit their main Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education written papers after basic education classes close.
Learners who are not writing national examinations will head home for the long end-of-year holiday starting October 26, 2026. This break will run through to January 1, 2027, with regular school operations for the new academic year scheduled to commence on January 4, 2027.
The Ministry has urged the public to disregard unverified statements circulating online.
“Parents, teachers, learners and members of the general public are advised to strictly rely on the Ministry’s official communication channels and field officers for accurate information,” Ogamba added.
