The Ministry of Education has tightened rules on school activities and outside visits during Third Term as candidates prepare for the 2026 national examinations.

In a circular dated September 3, 2026, Principal Secretary John L. Ololtuaa directed regional, county and sub-county education officials to ensure schools limit co-curricular, social and other activities that could disrupt candidates’ preparations.

The directive comes as schools enter the final stretch before the national assessment and examination period, with thousands of learners expected to sit their respective assessments from October.

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has scheduled the 2026 KCSE examinations from October 19 to November 20. KPSEA written papers will be administered from October 26 to 28, while KILEA and KJSEA written papers will run from October 26 to 30. KPLEA assessments are scheduled for October 26 to 29.

The ministry has also restricted prayer sessions involving parents, religious leaders, other visitors and people from outside the school. Candidates will only be allowed to participate in ordinary internal worship led by school chaplains and teachers.

Annual General Meetings will only be allowed during the First or Second Term. Schools have also been directed to hold prize-giving ceremonies, thanksgiving events and special prayer activities for candidates during the Second Term instead of Third Term.

The ministry has further cancelled annual leave for education officers during the assessment and examination period to ensure closer supervision of schools.

Regional, county and sub-county directors have been instructed to circulate the directive to all schools under their jurisdiction and ensure it is followed.

The measures are expected to affect schools that usually hold several meetings, celebrations, prayer events and activities involving visitors during Third Term.

With the 2026 national examinations only weeks away, schools have been asked to keep the final term focused on teaching, revision and examination preparation.

                                                                                                                                 APERIT FM, HII NI YETU