Ministry releases national exams dates, bans third-term school activities

Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok. [File, Standard]

The government has banned all social and extracurricular activities in the third term to allow students to focus on national examinations.

In a statement on Thursday, August 28, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the measures aim to enhance focus on exam preparation and reduce disruptions.

The Third Term is designated as an examination season, and the Kenya National Examinations Council has released timetables for various assessments.

The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will run from 21 October to 21 November. The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) is scheduled from 27 October to 5 November.

The Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) and the Kenya Primary Literacy Education Assessment (KPLEA) will take place from 27 October to 30 October.

The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) runs from 27 October to 29 October.

Bitok explained that normal social events such as prize-giving ceremonies, thanksgiving events, and dedicated prayer days for candidates will be held during the second term.

"There will be no prayer sessions for candidates involving parents, outsiders, or external visitors," he noted. "Regular prayer and worship activities conducted by school chaplains and teachers within the school community will continue," he added.

The ministry also directed that Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and other gatherings be scheduled exclusively during the first and second terms. Annual leave for officers during the examination period is cancelled.

Schools have been instructed to acquaint all staff and students with the circular.

Bitok observed that the measures are necessary to protect the integrity of national examinations and ensure candidates have uninterrupted preparation time.