As a parent, student, or teacher in Kenya, knowing the school calendar is absolutely vital to ensuring that you are equally prepared for success during each academic term. For the 2026 academic year, the Ministry of Education has officially released the comprehensive school calendar, which provides a detailed overview of all academic term dates and the crucial national examination schedules that determine student progression.
The Kenya School Calendar, as we know it today, is strategically designed around a three-term system that carefully balances instructional time, holiday periods, and examination schedules to maximise learning outcomes while thoughtfully accommodating the diverse needs of students, teachers, and parents throughout the country. So, what exactly does the 2026 academic school calendar look like? Schools across Kenya are set to reopen on January 5, 2026, for the start of the new academic year, with Term 1 officially beginning on 5th January 2026. Following this, Term 2 emerges as the longest term at 14 weeks, while Term 3 remains strategically focused on final assessments and national examinations.
2026 Academic Term Dates
The Kenyan School Calendar for both Primary and Secondary schools is divided into three-term structures. As per the official announcements by the Ministry of Education through the office of the Principal Secretary, State Department of Basic Education, Term 1 runs from 5 January to 2 April 2026, spanning 13 weeks with a five-day mid-term break from 25 February to 1 March.
Term 2, the longest at 14 weeks, begins on 27th April and concludes on 31st July 2026, with a mid-term pause from 24th to 28th June. This extended period accommodates project-based learning under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and prepares junior secondary students for practical assessments. Schools leverage the additional week to address curriculum gaps identified in Term 1.
Term 3 spans 9 weeks (24th August – 23rd October 2026) and prioritises final assessments, including rehearsals for national exams. Unlike the first two terms, it excludes mid-term breaks to minimise disruptions during critical revision periods.
Similarly, the 2026 School Calendar also accommodates three holidays. The first is the April holiday (3rd–24th April), which provides three weeks after Term 1. It is followed by the August break (3rd–2nd August), which separates Terms 2 and 3. The final holiday is the December holiday (24th October 2026 – 3rd January 2027), which spans approximately 11 weeks.
To help you visualise all these, below is a table summary for the 2026 Academic calendar:
| Period | Opening Date | Closing Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term I | 5th January, 2026 | 2nd April, 2026 | 13 Weeks |
| Half Term Break | 25th February, 2026 | 1st March, 2026 | 5 Days |
| April Holiday | 3rd April, 2026 | 24th April, 2026 | 3 Weeks |
| Term II | 27th April, 2026 | 31st July, 2026 | 14 Weeks |
| Half Term Break | 24th June, 2026 | 28th June, 2026 | 5 Days |
| August Holiday | 3rd August, 2026 | 2nd August, 2026 | 3 Weeks |
| Term III | 24th August, 2026 | 23rd October, 2026 | 9 Weeks |
| National Assessments | 26th October, 2026 | 30th November, 2026 | 3-4 Weeks |
| December Holiday | 24th October, 2026 | 2nd January, 2026 | 10 Weeks |
FAQs
When do Kenyan schools open for the 2026 academic year?
Schools throughout Kenya officially reopen for Term 1 on 5th January 2026, following the December holiday break that concludes on 2nd January 2026.
Which term is the longest in 2026, and why?
Term 2 is the longest term, running from 27th April to 31st July 2026. This extended period accommodates project-based learning under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system and prepares junior secondary students for practical assessments.
What curriculum systems are used in Kenyan schools in 2026?
Kenya operates under a transitional system using the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) for pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary levels, while senior secondary schools continue with the 8-4-4 system.
What are the term dates for 2026?
Term 1 runs from 5th January to 2nd April 2026 (13 weeks). Term 2 runs from 27th April to 31st July 2026 (14 weeks). Term 3 runs from 24th August to 23rd October 2026 (9 weeks).
When are the school holidays scheduled for 2026?
The April holiday runs from 3rd to 24th April 2026 (3 weeks). The August break runs from 3rd to 2nd August 2026 (3 weeks). The December holiday runs from 24th October 2026 to 3rd January 2027 (approximately 11 weeks).
What are the mid-term breaks in 2026?
Term 1 has a mid-term break from 25th February to 1st March 2026 (5 days). Term 2 has a mid-term break from 24th to 28th June 2026 (5 days). Term 3 has no mid-term break to minimise disruptions during critical revision periods before national exams.
