As the 2026 academic year draws to a close, parents, teachers and learners across Kenya are preparing for the final school closing day and the long December holidays. With schools approaching the end of Term Three, attention is shifting to national examinations, holiday plans and preparations for the 2027 academic year.
The Ministry of Education’s 2026 school calendar outlines the opening and closing dates for all three terms, together with half-term breaks, school holidays and national examination schedules.
Term 1, 2026: Opening and Closing Dates
The first term of the 2026 academic year began in January and ended on April 2, 2026. The term lasted approximately 13 weeks and included a five-day half-term break from February 25 to March 1.
After completing the first term, learners proceeded for the April holiday, which ran from April 7 to April 24, 2026. Schools then reopened for the second term on April 27.
Term 2, 2026: Opening and Closing Dates
Term Two opened on April 27, 2026, and closed on July 31, 2026. It was the longest term of the year, lasting approximately 14 weeks.
Learners had a five-day half-term break from June 24 to June 28 before completing the remainder of the term. The August holiday followed, running from August 3 to August 21, with schools reopening for the third term on August 24.
Term 3, 2026: Final Closing Date
The third term began on August 24, 2026, and is scheduled to close on October 23, 2026, marking the end of the regular school year for learners in pre-primary, primary, junior, senior and secondary schools.
Term Three is the shortest term of the year, lasting approximately nine weeks. As the closing date approaches, schools are expected to complete their academic programmes, conduct final assessments and prepare learners for the next stage of their education.
Parents and guardians should confirm any school-specific arrangements with their respective institutions.
2026 Academic Calendar at a Glance
| School term or holiday | Dates |
|---|---|
| Term One opening | January 5, 2026 |
| Term One closing | April 2, 2026 |
| April holiday | April 7–24, 2026 |
| Term Two opening | April 27, 2026 |
| Term Two closing | July 31, 2026 |
| August holiday | August 3–21, 2026 |
| Term Three opening | August 24, 2026 |
| Term Three closing | October 23, 2026 |
| December holiday period begins | October 26, 2026 |
| Schools expected to reopen | Confirm the official 2027 calendar |
National Examinations After Term Three
The end of the regular school term does not mean that all learners will immediately begin their holidays. Candidates sitting national assessments and examinations will have to follow the examination timetable.
According to the published 2026 calendar, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) are scheduled to begin on October 26. The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) are also scheduled to begin on October 26.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are scheduled to run from November 2 to November 20, 2026.
Parents and candidates should follow official Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) communications for the precise examination schedules and any subsequent changes.
When Will Schools Reopen in 2027?
The next school reopening dates will depend on the official 2027 academic calendar issued by the Ministry of Education. Parents should avoid relying on unconfirmed reopening dates circulating on social media and should check announcements from the Ministry and their children’s schools.
The extended end-of-year break offers families an opportunity to rest, review learners’ academic progress and prepare for the next school year.
What Parents Should Do Before Schools Close
As the term comes to an end, parents and guardians should ensure that learners complete outstanding school assignments, collect examination reports where applicable and return any school property that is due.
Families should also use the holiday period to encourage reading, revision and other productive activities without depriving children of adequate rest.