Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has issued a firm directive banning all school events — including PP2 graduations, Sports Days, Prayer Days, talent shows, and academic fun fairs.
Reaffirming an earlier circular from the Ministry of Education (MoE), the CS stated that non-compliance will result in disciplinary action against school heads who defy the order.
He emphasised that the ministry’s latest move is intended to safeguard learning time and maintain focus as learners prepare for end-of-year examinations across the country.
The directive, addressed to all County Directors of Education (CDEs) and sub-county education officers, directs immediate enforcement of the ban. Heads of institutions have been ordered to suspend all non-academic events held within school compounds, including those organised by parents’ associations or external partners.
Ogamba said the ministry had observed a growing trend of social events being organised within schools, particularly Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) graduation ceremonies, which he described as “costly, time-consuming, and unnecessary.”
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He noted that the events, though well-intentioned, often lead to loss of instructional hours, financial pressure on parents, and disruptions during the crucial third-term calendar period.
The CS reminded school administrators that the third term is a critical period dedicated exclusively to revision and national examination preparation for Grade 6 (KPSEA), Junior School (KJSEA), and Form 4 (KCSE) candidates.
The directive comes as schools nationwide enter the final stretch of the 2025 academic year, with national examinations set to begin in late October. County and sub-county education officers have been instructed to monitor compliance and submit periodic reports to the ministry.
By Joseph Mambili
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