The Ministry of Education, State Department for Basic Education, released the official 2026 academic calendar on October 13, 2025, via a circular signed by Principal Secretary Julius K. Bitok.
This applies to all pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools across Kenya, following the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The calendar ensures 13 weeks for Term 1, 12 weeks for Term 2, and 9 weeks for Term 3, with built-in holidays and national assessments.
Key highlights:
- Total teaching weeks: 34 weeks (excluding holidays and exams).
- Mid-term breaks: Only in Term 1 (one week); Terms 2 and 3 have none.
- National exams: Concentrated in late October to mid-November, aligning with the end of Term 3.
- December holiday: Extended to 10 weeks for rest and family time.
Term Dates and Holidays
| Term | Opening Date | Closing Date | Duration | Holidays/Breaks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Monday, January 5, 2026 | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | 13 weeks | Mid-term break: Wednesday, February 25 – Sunday, March 1, 2026 (1 week) April holiday: Tuesday, April 7 – Sunday, April 26, 2026 (3 weeks) |
| Term 2 | Monday, April 27, 2026 | Friday, July 24, 2026 | 12 weeks | August holiday: Monday, July 27 – Sunday, August 23, 2026 (4 weeks) |
| Term 3 | Monday, August 24, 2026 | Friday, October 23, 2026 | 9 weeks | December holiday: Monday, October 26, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027 (10 weeks; schools reopen January 4, 2027) |
Note: Schools close on October 23, 2026, to prepare for national exams starting October 26. The December holiday begins immediately after exams conclude.
National Examinations Schedule (2026)
Exams follow the closure of Term 3 and are administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC). They assess different levels under the CBC:
| Exam | Level | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| KPSEA (Kenya Primary School Education Assessment) | Grade 6 (Primary) | Monday, October 26 – Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 4 days |
| KILEA (Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment) | Grade 9 (Junior Secondary) | Monday, October 26 – Thursday, October 29/30, 2026 | 4 days |
| KJSEA (Kenya Junior School Education Assessment) & KPLEA (Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment) | Grade 12 (Pre-Vocational/Senior Secondary) | Monday, October 26 – Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 7–10 days (overlaps with KCSE) |
| KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) | Form 4 (Senior Secondary) | Monday, November 2 – Friday, November 20, 2026 | 3 weeks |
Additional notes on exams:
- KPSEA and KILEA focus on core competencies and end early to allow processing.
- KJSEA/KPLEA and KCSE run concurrently for efficiency.
- No extracurricular visits or activities in secondary schools during Term 3, per ministry guidelines.
Diploma Teachers Training Colleges (DTTCs) Calendar
DTTCs follow a parallel but slightly adjusted schedule:
- Term 1: Tuesday, January 6 – Thursday, April 2, 2026 (13 weeks)
- Term 2: Monday, April 27 – Thursday, July 30, 2026 (13 weeks; one extra day)
- Term 3: Monday, August 24 – Friday, November 6, 2026 (11 weeks)
- December holiday: Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Sunday, January 3, 2027 (8 weeks)
Private and international schools (e.g., Brookhouse, ISK) may vary slightly but often align with these dates for national exams. For the full circular, refer to the Ministry of Education’s official resources or contact your regional education director.
This calendar promotes balanced learning, assessment, and rest. Parents and educators are advised to plan ahead, especially around exam periods.
