Kenya Education Ministry Announces 2026 Academic Calendar and KCSE Exam Schedule

Kenya's Ministry of Education released the official 2026 academic calendar, setting the third term for pre‑primary through secondary schools from August 24 to October 23. The term will be followed by a series of national assessments: the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) on October 26‑29, the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) on October 26‑30, and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Pre‑Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) between October 26 and November 5. The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations are scheduled for November 2‑20, after which students begin their December holidays.

In a separate circular, an unnamed Ministry of Education announced that schools nationwide will reopen on Monday, September 7, 2026, a one‑week delay from the previously planned start date of August 31. The adjustment is intended to allow final preparations, staff assignments, classroom set‑up and orientation activities before the new term begins.