PS announces new school term dates

By LONAH KIBET

 New dates for next term’s school calendar have been announced.

Education ministry Permanent Secretary George Godia has said all schools will open on January 7 and close on April 12.

Next year’s half-term has also been extended to 11 days from the usual four days, which will start February 25 and end on March 7 in view of the General Election.

Speaking during the Nyakiambi Girls prize-giving day in Mirangine District of Nyandarua County yesterday, the PS said the dates were agreed upon after consultations with the Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) and other stakeholders.

Prof Godia said the ministry and Knec would ensure that examinations, whose dates remain as earlier announced, will be marked and reports done early. “The ministry revised the term to compensate for the time learners lost during the three-week teachers strike,” said Godia.

Meanwhile, tight security will be deployed in secondary schools at the onset of Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination.

The Cabinet has directed security forces to ensure that every child sits examinations in a safe and comfortable environment paying special attention to the coastal region that has been under threat from MRC.

In a statement,  released to newsrooms the Cabinet met under the chairmanship of President Kibaki to deliberate the matter.

Government had received information indicating that MRC plans to disrupt the exams.