Schools across the country have begun closing earlier than scheduled to allow candidates to begin rehearsals without disruptions, even as heads of institutions decry delays in the release of government capitation funds.
Although the Ministry of Education had set October 24 as the official closing date for Basic Education Institutions, most schools opted to send learners home earlier to give candidates ample time to prepare for the national exams.
The 2025 closure marks the start of a long school holiday, lasting close to 10 weeks, which is approximately 70 days.
School heads have expressed frustration over the delayed disbursement of capitation funds, saying the situation has strained operations and forced them to make tough decisions to keep schools running.
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Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba was scheduled to appear before Parliament on October 15 to address the matter, but the session was postponed following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in India.
Despite Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen declaring Friday, October 17, a public holiday in honor of the late Odinga, the Ministry of Education directed that KCSE rehearsals proceed as planned. Officials said postponing the exercise would have caused major disruptions to the national examination timetable.
Teachers appointed as centre managers, supervisors, and invigilators reported to various examination centers to oversee successful rehearsals.
KCSE exams will begin on October 21 and run for four weeks, while both KPSEA and KJSEA will commence on October 27, lasting three and six days respectively.
By Mercy Kokwon
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