A major shift is coming in Kenya’s school calendar after the government moved to address growing concerns over pressure on learners and rising cases of unrest in secondary schools.
The Ministry of Education has confirmed plans to reduce the length of the second school term starting next year, following reports that the extended term may be straining students and contributing to discipline challenges in schools.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Wednesday said the adjustment is part of wider measures introduced after disturbances were recorded in 204 senior secondary schools across the country, prompting a review of how the academic calendar is structured.
“Starting next academic year, the ministry shall rationalise the school calendar to ensure the terms are balanced and that the second term is not as long as it has been,” Ogamba said.
Under the current system, the school year runs on three terms. The first term begins on January 5 and ends on April 2, lasting about 13 weeks. The ongoing second term runs from April 27 to July 31 and stretches to 14 weeks, making it the longest in the cycle.
The third term starts on August 24 and ends on October 23, lasting nine weeks and remaining the shortest period in the academic year.
Each of the first two terms also includes a five-day mid-term break, with the current second-term break set for June 24 to June 28. Parents and guardians have been encouraged to use the break to spend time with learners and offer support and guidance.
Ogamba noted that tackling unrest in schools requires teamwork from all players in the education sector, including parents, teachers, school leaders, community members and policymakers.
He said the goal is to ensure that schools remain safe spaces where learning can continue without disruption, adding that shared responsibility will be key in addressing the challenges facing institutions.
The government has also announced plans to set up a multi-agency team to look into the root causes of unrest in schools and propose long-term solutions.
The team will bring together education stakeholders to examine the triggers of student unrest and recommend practical steps to improve discipline, learner welfare and overall school management.
The announcement follows a wave of concern after incidents involving student strikes, dormitory fires and destruction of property were reported in several schools.
Despite the incidents, Ogamba assured parents and the public that the situation remains largely stable, with most institutions continuing normal learning activities.
Data from the ministry shows that 204 senior secondary schools have recorded cases of unrest, while about 98 per cent of schools across the country have not been affected.
“Most of our schools remain stable and continue with their normal operations,” he said.
Preliminary findings also show that boarding schools have been more affected compared to day secondary schools, which have largely maintained uninterrupted learning.