The Ministry of Education has released the official 2026 school calendar for all basic education institutions in Kenya. The circular, signed by Amb. (Prof.) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, provides full term schedules for Pre-Primary, Primary, Junior, and Secondary Schools, as well as Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs).
Issued on 9 October 2025, the circular gives schools, teachers, parents, and learners a clear picture of how the 2026 academic year will run, helping everyone plan early for a smooth start.
Structure of the 2026 Academic Year
The 2026 academic year maintains the traditional three-term structure, including half-term breaks and holiday periods. Each term incorporates both classroom learning and co-curricular programs to support holistic education under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
🏫 A. Pre-Primary, Primary, Junior, and Secondary Schools Term Dates – 2026
| Term | Opening Date | Closing Date | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term I | 5 Jan 2026 | 2 Apr 2026 | 13 Weeks | Regular classes resume for all learners |
| Half Term I | 25 Feb 2026 | 1 Mar 2026 | 5 Days | Mid-term break for learners and teachers |
| April Holiday | 7 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 3 Weeks | Schools closed for April recess |
| Term II | 27 Apr 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | 14 Weeks | Longest learning term of the year |
| Half Term II | 24 Jun 2026 | 28 Jun 2026 | 5 Days | Mid-year rest and assessments |
| August Holiday | 3 Aug 2026 | 21 Aug 2026 | 3 Weeks | Mid-year vacation before final term |
| Term III | 24 Aug 2026 | 23 Oct 2026 | 9 Weeks | Final short term before national exams |
| December Holiday | 26 Oct 2026 | 1 Jan 2027 | 10 Weeks | End-of-year holiday |
🧮 B. National Examination Dates – 2026
| Examination | Full Name | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPSEA | Kenya Primary School Education Assessment | 26 Oct 2026 | 29 Oct 2026 | 4 Days |
| KILEA | Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment | 26 Oct 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | 5 Days |
| KJSEA | Kenya Junior School Education Assessment | 26 Oct 2026 | 5 Nov 2026 | 7 Days |
| KPLEA | Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment | 26 Oct 2026 | 5 Nov 2026 | 7 Days |
| KCSE | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education | 2 Nov 2026 | 20 Nov 2026 | 3 Weeks |
These examinations mark the transition between levels under the CBC and the phasing-out 8-4-4 system, ensuring continuity and fairness in learner assessment.
🎓 C. Diploma Teacher Training Colleges Academic Calendar – 2026
| Term | Opening Date | Closing Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term I | 6 Jan 2026 | 2 Apr 2026 | 13 Weeks |
| April Holiday | 7 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 3 Weeks |
| Term II | 27 Apr 2026 | 31 Jul 2026 | 14 Weeks |
| August Holiday | 3 Aug 2026 | 21 Aug 2026 | 3 Weeks |
| Term III | 24 Aug 2026 | 6 Nov 2026 | 11 Weeks |
| December Holiday | 9 Nov 2026 | 1 Jan 2027 | 8 Weeks |
TTCs will follow this adjusted timetable to accommodate teaching practice and final assessments.
⚠ Key Directives from the Circular
- Distribution of the Circular
Regional, County, and Sub-County Directors of Education must ensure this circular reaches all public and private institutions under their jurisdiction. - Restriction on School Visits
External activities and school visits during Term III 2026 remain suspended to ensure minimal interference with national examinations. - Uniform Learning Calendar
Schools must adhere strictly to the approved dates to promote curriculum consistency and synchronized coverage nationwide.
🧭 Why the 2026 School Calendar Matters
The publication of the 2026 academic calendar represents a full return to stability after several years of post-pandemic disruptions and CBC realignment.
Predictability: Teachers and learners can plan the academic year confidently, scheduling lessons, exams, and activities well ahead.
Efficiency: Institutions will better manage term programs, ensuring smooth transitions between academic and co-curricular events.
Curriculum Consistency: Uniform term dates maintain national parity in curriculum coverage across all counties.
Parental Planning: Families can now schedule tuition, travel, and family activities around known school terms.
🧑🏫 Implications for Teachers and School Heads
The 2026 term structure allows teachers to design schemes of work and lesson plans in harmony with Ministry timelines. For heads of institutions, it simplifies planning for staff deployment, budgeting, and monitoring performance targets.
With clear term lengths, schools can also coordinate better with parents on academic targets, attendance, and assessments — all contributing to improved performance outcomes.
🧩 Looking Ahead: Towards Predictable Learning
The Ministry’s consistency in releasing term dates early has reinforced confidence in the education system. This forward planning ensures continuity in teaching and assessment, promotes accountability among school leaders, and aligns Kenya’s academic year with global standards.
Schools are reminded to integrate national days, public holidays, and CBC assessments within these official timelines. Adherence to the official term dates remains mandatory for all public and private schools.
📘 Summary at a Glance
| Category | Opening Month | Closing Month | Number of Terms | Main Exams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Education (Pre-Primary to Secondary) | Jan 2026 | Oct 2026 | 3 | KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA, KPLEA, KCSE |
| Teachers Training Colleges | Jan 2026 | Nov 2026 | 3 | End-of-Term and Final Assessments |
📰 Final Word
The official 2026 term calendar is more than just a timetable — it is a planning tool for every education stakeholder. With clear timelines, teachers can deliver effectively, parents can plan ahead, and learners can enjoy structured, uninterrupted studies.
As Kenya continues to strengthen the Competency-Based Curriculum, maintaining consistent term schedules is key to achieving equity and quality in education delivery.
For the full details, you can access the official schedules for Primary and Secondary Schools and Teacher Training Colleges as shared by the Ministry of Education.
