The Ministry of Education has officially released the 2026 academic calendar, outlining term dates, school holidays and national examination timelines for Basic Education Institutions and Diploma Teachers Training Colleges (DTTCs) across Kenya.
The circular was signed by Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok and copied to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) and the Council of Governors. It has been circulated to all regional, county and sub-county directors of education.
School Opening Date for 2026
All basic education institutions, including pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary and secondary schools, will reopen for the 2026 academic year on January 5, 2026.
2026 School Term Dates in Kenya
Term I (13 Weeks)
- Opening date: January 5, 2026
- Closing date: April 2, 2026
- Half-term break: February 25 to March 1, 2026 (5 days)
- April holiday: April 7 to April 24, 2026 (3 weeks)
Term II (14 Weeks)
- Opening date: April 27, 2026
- Closing date: July 31, 2026
- Half-term break: June 24 to June 28, 2026
- August holiday: Ends on August 21, 2026 (3 weeks)
Term III (9 Weeks)
- Opening date: August 24, 2026
- Closing date: October 23, 2026
Term III will be the shortest school term in the 2026 academic year.
2026 National Examination Dates
The circular also confirms the timetable for all major Kenya National Examinations:
- KPSEA and KILEA:
- Duration: 5 days
- Start date: October 26, 2026
- KJSEA and KPLEA:
- Duration: 7 days
- Start date: October 26, 2026
- KCSE 2026:
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Dates: November 2 to November 20, 2026
End-of-Year School Holiday
Following the completion of national examinations, learners will begin the December holiday, which will last 10 weeks.
- December holiday: October 26, 2026 – January 1, 2027
The extended break will allow schools to prepare for the 2027 academic year, which will commence in early January.
The release of the 2026 academic calendar provides early clarity for schools, parents and education stakeholders, enabling proper planning for learning, examinations and school activities nationwide.
