The Ministry of Education has officially announced the 2026 academic calendar for all basic education institutions, detailing term dates, holidays, and examination schedules. The circular, signed by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok and copied to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), and the Council of Governors, has been sent to all education offices across the country.
According to the circular, all pre-primary, primary, junior, senior, and secondary schools will open for Term I on January 5, 2026. The first term will run for 13 weeks, ending on April 2, 2026. Learners will enjoy a five-day half-term break from February 25 to March 1, 2026.
The April holiday will begin on April 7 and end on April 24, 2026, lasting three weeks. Schools will resume for Term II on April 27, 2026, and the term will continue for 14 weeks, closing on July 31, 2026.
Although details for Term III and national examination timelines are expected in a subsequent circular, the Ministry emphasized that the 2026 schedule aims to maintain academic stability and smooth transition across all levels of education.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the early release of the calendar, saying it allows schools, teachers, and parents to plan better for the year ahead. “Timely communication ensures smooth operations and minimizes disruptions in the school program,” noted one county education officer.
With the academic year starting in early January and structured breaks throughout, the 2026 school calendar reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to restoring normal academic timelines disrupted in recent years.
