- Schools have been urged to reduce non-essential activities to give learners adequate examination preparation time.
- Fundraisers and large gatherings are among activities the Government wants schools to limit during Third Term.
- Special activities requiring approval will be considered individually through established authorisation procedures.
The Government has urged education stakeholders to limit and reduce non-essential activities in schools to give learners adequate time to revise, prepare and focus on their forthcoming national examinations.
Principal Secretary for Basic Education John Lekakeny Ololtuaa said schools should prioritise learning and school-based activities during the examination preparation period and avoid activities that could disrupt learners’ concentration.
“We have requested our stakeholders to limit and reduce school activities so that we allow the students to revise well and be prepared,” the Principal Secretary said.
Speaking on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Ololtuaa said the directive was aimed at ensuring that learners have sufficient time to concentrate on their studies and adequately prepare for the examinations.
Schools asked to prioritise learning
He specifically called for a reduction in activities such as fundraising events, large gatherings and other non-essential engagements that may take learners away from their academic work.
“We have requested that we do not have fundraising, gatherings and such activities. We now need to concentrate on school-based activities,” he said.
The PS, however, clarified that where a school has a compelling reason to undertake a special activity, the appropriate procedures for seeking authorisation should be followed. Such requests, he said, would be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the relevant authorities.
“If there is any special reason why something must be done, then the normal procedure of seeking authority will be followed so that the case can be assessed,” he added.
The remarks reinforce a Ministry circular issued on September 3 restricting activities during Third Term to minimise disruptions ahead of the 2026 national assessments and examinations. The circular requires schools to move AGMs away from Third Term and schedules prize-giving ceremonies, thanksgiving events and dedicated candidate prayer days for Second Term.
Stakeholders review education programmes
The Principal Secretary was speaking during the National Joint Steering Committee meeting for the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) Programme, Kenya Secondary Education Equity and Quality Improvement Programme (SEEQIP), and Development of Schools Infrastructure in Nyamira County Project (DSINCP), held at KICD.
The meeting brought together key education stakeholders and development partners to review progress, strengthen coordination and discuss interventions aimed at improving equity, quality and access to education. The meeting and the three programmes have been independently confirmed.
Participants included representatives from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), Teachers Service Commission (TSC), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Bank, among other education institutions and development partners.
The call comes as schools intensify preparations for national examinations, with education stakeholders emphasising the need to provide learners with a conducive environment to revise and complete their academic programmes.
The 2026 KCSE examinations are scheduled from October 19 to November 20, while KPSEA written papers will run from October 26 to 28. KJSEA and KILEA written assessments are scheduled from October 26 to 30.
By Kevin Mawira
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