The Ministry of Education has released the 2026 academic calendar for all basic education institutions across Kenya.
The calendar, signed by Principal Secretary Amb. (Prof) Julius K. Bitok, CBS, applies to pre-primary, primary, junior, senior, and secondary schools, as well as diploma teacher training colleges.
According to the circular dated October 9, 2025, the first term begins on January 5, 2026, and ends on April 2, 2026, covering 13 weeks of instruction. A mid-term break is scheduled from February 25 to March 1, followed by a three-week April holiday from April 7 to April 24.
Term Dates for Basic Education Institutions
| Term | Opening Date | Closing Date | Duration | Breaks & Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term I | Jan 6, 2026 | Apr 2, 2026 | 13 weeks | Half-term: Feb 25–Mar 1 April Holiday: Apr 7–24 |
| Term II | Apr 27, 2026 | Jul 31, 2026 | 14 weeks | Half-term: Jun 24–28 August Holiday: Aug 3–21 |
| Term III | Aug 24, 2026 | Oct 23, 2026 | 9 weeks | December Holiday: Oct 26–Jan 1, 2027 |
National Exam Timetable: KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA, KPLEA & KCSE
The third term will culminate in national assessments under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), beginning October 26, 2026:
- KPSEA: Oct 26–29
- KILEA: Oct 26–30
- KJSEA & KPLEA: Oct 26–Nov 5
- KCSE: Nov 2–20
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will run for three weeks, followed by a 10-week December holiday from October 26, 2026, to January 1, 2027.
2026 Calendar for Diploma Teacher Training Colleges
The Ministry also released the academic calendar for diploma teacher training colleges:
| Term | Opening Date | Closing Date | Duration | Holidays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term I | Jan 6, 2026 | Apr 2, 2026 | 13 weeks | Apr 7–24 |
| Term II | Apr 27, 2026 | Jul 31, 2026 | 14 weeks | Aug 3–21 |
| Term III | Aug 24, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 | 11 weeks | Nov 9–Jan 1, 2027 |
Third Term School Visits Remain Suspended
The Ministry reaffirmed its ban on school visits and co-curricular activities during the third term of 2026 to maintain academic focus and exam integrity. All regional, county, and sub-county education directors have been instructed to circulate the official circular to institutions under their jurisdiction.
