The Ministry of Education has banned all extra-curricular and social activities in schools during the third term to allow candidates to fully concentrate on their national examinations.
In a circular sent to all education officials across the country, Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Julius Bitok, said the decision is meant to reduce disruptions as students prepare for the busy exam season.
This year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams will be held from October 21 to November 21, 2025.
Other examinations the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), the Kenya Integrated Learning and Education Assessment (KILEA), the Kenya Primary Learners Education Assessment (KPLEA), and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will be held from October 27 to November 5.
“To enhance focus on preparation and minimize disruptions, the Ministry will enforce strict controls on extra-curricular and social activities during the Third Term,” the circular noted.
Among the activities that will not be allowed are prayer days involving parents and visitors, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), prize-giving ceremonies, and thanksgiving events.
However, Dr. Bitok clarified that routine prayers and worship within schools will continue. “There shall be no prayer sessions for candidates involving parents or outsiders. Regular prayer and worship led by chaplains and teachers within the school community will go on as usual,” he said.
The Ministry has also directed that AGMs, prize-giving ceremonies, and thanksgiving events be scheduled in the first or second term instead of the third.
To ensure proper supervision, the government has suspended annual leave for all education officers during the examination period.
