Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok/FILEThe Ministry of Education has announced a ban on all social and extracurricular activities—including prayer sessions involving outsiders, prize-giving ceremonies, sports, and Annual General Meetings (AGMs)—during the third term as schools prepare for national examinations.
Education Principal Secretary Dr Julius Bitok said the move is designed to minimise distractions and help learners maintain focus.
“Extra-curricular and social activities, including prayer sessions with parents or visitors, Annual General Meetings, prize-giving events, and thanksgiving services, are hereby suspended during the third term,” the memo states.
PS Bitok shared the directive in a circular distributed to all regional, county, and sub-county directors of Education.
“This is not the time for ceremonies,” Dr. Bitok said, urging schools to schedule all such events during the first or second term instead.
He emphasized that only regular prayers led by school chaplains and teachers within the student community will continue uninterrupted.
National exams are slated as follows: KCSE from October 21 to November 21; Junior and Senior primary assessments—KJSEA, KILEA, KPLEA, and KPSEA—from October 27 to October 30, and extending to November 5 for some tests. Bitok clarified that all non-academic events must be shifted to the first or second term.
He also canceled annual leave for exam administrators, requiring them to remain on duty throughout the exam period.
Schools have been instructed to communicate these changes to all staff, students, and stakeholders and adjust their plans accordingly.
These strict guidelines aim to uphold the integrity of national examinations and ensure that the third term remains free of disruption
