The Ministry of Education has unveiled the official academic timetable for schools and Diploma Teachers Training Colleges for the 2026 school year.
The schedule provides clear information on term dates, holidays, and national examination periods, guiding learners, teachers, and administrators nationwide.
The circular, signed by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, was shared with Education CS Julius Ogamba, the Teachers Service Commission, the Kenya National Examination Council, the Council of Governors, and education officials in all counties and sub-counties. It outlines the academic calendar for pre-primary, primary, junior, senior, and secondary schools, as well as teacher training colleges.
All basic education institutions are expected to resume classes on January 5, 2026. Term One will extend for 13 weeks, ending on April 2, with a five-day mid-term break from February 25 to March 1. Following the term, students will enjoy a three-week April holiday from April 7 to April 24.
Term Two is set to run from April 27 to July 31, spanning 14 weeks. A half-term break will take place from June 24 to June 28, and learners will then have a three-week August holiday ending on August 21. Term Three, the shortest of the year, will last nine weeks, beginning on August 24 and concluding on October 23, 2026.
The circular also details the schedule for major national examinations. The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment and Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment will run for five days starting October 26, while the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment and Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment will also begin on the same date and last seven days.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations are scheduled from November 2 to November 20, covering three weeks.
After exams, learners will begin the long end-of-year break, which will run for ten weeks from October 26, 2026, to January 1, 2027. Diploma Teachers Training Colleges will follow a similar timetable, but their third term will continue until November 6, with their December holiday starting on November 9.
The ministry has reinforced an existing restriction for secondary schools during the final term. The circular states clearly, “Activities and visits to secondary schools in third term 2026 remain banned as per the earlier circulars.” This directive applies to all basic education institutions.
