Govt confirms schools’ reopening date

The Ministry of Education has officially confirmed that schools will resume for the third term on Monday, August 24, 2026, dispelling social media rumors that the date had been pushed back. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba addressed the issue in a statement released on Wednesday, August 19, stating that the academic calendar remains intact and urging education officials nationwide to adhere to the set dates.

The Ministry clarified the reopening date after online reports claimed it had been altered. Schools at every level - pre-primary, primary, junior, senior, and secondary - will commence Term III on August 24 and conclude on October 23. Diploma Teacher Training Colleges will also start on August 24, with their academic term ending on November 6.

The Ministry directed regional, county, and sub-county education officials to ensure schools follow the approved timetable. Parents, guardians, teachers, and learners are advised to rely on official Ministry communications and disregard any unverified notices shared online. The clarification comes as the August holiday comes to an end, with schools expected to start on August 24 without any changes to the approved calendar.

Education stakeholders have been directed to seek updates through the Ministry's official channels instead of social media or unauthorized notifications. With the reopening date secured, preparations for the nine-week term are expected to begin. The Ministry also confirmed that national assessments and examinations will proceed according to the previously announced schedule, with the KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA, KPLEA, and KCSE activities kicking off on October 26.

Schools are prohibited from conducting extracurricular activities and permitting visits to secondary schools during Term III.