The government, through the Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced plans to overhaul the academic calendar beginning next year, introducing equal-length school terms in a bid to reduce learner fatigue and address the growing wave of unrest that has affected 204 schools nationwide.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the Ministry will standardise all school terms to approximately 12 weeks each, replacing the current structure where the first term runs for 12 weeks, the second for 14 weeks, and the third for only nine weeks.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 10, Ogamba said the reforms are aimed at creating a more balanced academic schedule and easing pressure on learners and teachers.
“The first term is 12 weeks, the second term is 14 weeks, and the third term is nine weeks. We are now going to rationalise that and have 12 weeks across the board,” said the CS.
He noted that the current uneven calendar has often forced schools to make adjustments to lesson plans and rush syllabus coverage, particularly during the shorter third term.
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The changes are expected to take effect from the next academic year. However, Ogamba clarified that the current school calendar remains unchanged, with learners set to proceed for the scheduled mid-term break between June 24 and June 28.
The announcement comes amid rising cases of student unrest across the country. To tackle the crisis, the CS revealed that the government has formed a multi-stakeholder committee to investigate the causes of unrest and recommend long-term solutions.
County and Sub-County Education Officers have also been directed to conduct safety audits in high-risk schools, while Parents Association meetings will be convened urgently to address student welfare and emerging grievances.
By Juma Ndigo
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