The Ministry of Education Kenya has released the official 2026 school term dates for pre-primary, primary, junior, senior, and secondary schools. View the full opening, closing, half-term, and KCSE exam calendar here.
Official Kenya School Calendar 2026 Announced by Ministry of Education
The Ministry of Education (MoE) Kenya, through the State Department of Early Learning and Basic Education, has officially released the 2026 school term dates for all basic education institutions. This includes pre-primary, primary, junior school, senior school, and secondary schools across the country.
The announcement, issued by the Sub-County Education Office, Kasarani Sub-County, provides a clear academic roadmap for learners, parents, teachers, and school administrators for the entire 2026 academic year. This official circular ensures uniformity in school operations nationwide and helps families plan effectively for school activities, holidays, and national examinations.
Why the 2026 Kenya School Term Dates Are Important
Understanding the official Kenya school calendar 2026 is essential for several reasons:
Parents can plan school fees, travel, and family activities
Teachers can organize lesson plans and syllabus coverage
Schools can align academic programs and examinations
Candidates can prepare adequately for KCSE and KPSEA exams
Education stakeholders can coordinate national education activities smoothly
The calendar applies to both public and private schools operating under the Kenyan education system.
Full 2026 Kenya School Term Dates (Official MoE Schedule)
Term 1 – 2026
Opening Date: 5th January 2026
Closing Date: 2nd April 2026
Duration: 13 weeks
Term 1 Half-Term Break
From: 25th February 2026
To: 1st March 2026
Duration: 5 days
April Holiday
From: 7th April 2026
To: 24th April 2026
Duration: 3 weeks
Term 2 – 2026
Opening Date: 26th April 2026
Closing Date: 31st July 2026
Duration: 14 weeks
Term 2 Half-Term Break
From: 24th June 2026
To: 28th June 2026
Duration: 5 days
August Holiday
From: 3rd August 2026
To: 21st October 2026
Duration: 3 weeks
Term 3 – 2026
Opening Date: 24th August 2026
Closing Date: 23rd October 2026
Duration: 9 weeks
National Examinations Calendar – 2026
The Ministry of Education has also outlined the official examination dates for national assessments in 2026:
KPSEA (Kenya Primary School Education Assessment)
Dates: 26th October – 29th October 2026
Duration: 4 days
KILEA
Dates: 26th October – 30th October 2026
Duration: 5 days
KJSEA and KPLEA
Dates: 26th October – 5th November 2026
Duration: 7 days
KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education)
Dates: 2nd November – 20th November 2026
Duration: 3 weeks
These dates are critical for candidates, teachers, and parents preparing for national examinations.
December Holiday 2026
From: 26th October 2026
To: 1st January 2027
Duration: 10 weeks
The extended December holiday allows learners ample time to rest before the next academic year begins.
Who Issued the 2026 School Term Dates?
The circular was officially issued under the authority of the Republic of Kenya, signed by:
Edwin Ong’injo Sub-County Director of Education Kasarani Sub-County
This confirms the document’s authenticity and compliance with national education policies.
What Parents and Schools Should Do Next
With the 2026 school calendar now confirmed, stakeholders are advised to:
Update school academic calendars
Prepare learners for examinations early
Align co-curricular and remedial programs
Budget for school fees and learning materials
Plan family travel around official school holidays
Schools are also encouraged to strictly adhere to the approved dates to maintain compliance with Ministry of Education regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this calendar applicable to private schools in Kenya?
Yes. All schools registered under the Ministry of Education are expected to follow the official calendar.
Can schools change these dates?
No. The dates are standardized nationally unless revised by the Ministry of Education.
Where can parents verify the term dates?
Parents can verify through school administration offices or official education circulars from the Ministry of Education.
The release of the Official Kenya School Term Dates 2026 provides clarity and stability for the education sector. Whether you are a parent, teacher, school administrator, or student, staying informed about the academic calendar ensures better planning, improved performance, and reduced disruptions throughout the year.
For the latest updates on education news in Kenya, school calendars, exams, and academic planning, keep following trusted education platforms.
