Government suspends social, extracurricular activities in schools ahead of national exams
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the directive will affect prayer sessions, social events and other non-academic gatherings, which he noted could distract candidates during the crucial period.
The Ministry of Education has suspended social and extracurricular activities in schools during the Third Term of the 2025 academic year to give students adequate time to prepare for national examinations.
In a circular on Thursday, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the directive will affect prayer sessions, social events and other non-academic gatherings, which he noted could distract candidates during the crucial period.
More To Read
- Over 3,000 public schools face merger over low enrolment
- Education PS orders arrest, interdiction of Alliance Girls teacher over sexual misconduct claims
- Government announces key directives ahead of schools reopening for first term in 2025
- Education PS orders schools to halt all non-academic activities, visits in third term
“The restrictions have been put in place to help students focus on preparing for these exams without disruptions,” Bitok said.
The Third Term, traditionally set aside for examinations, will feature several national assessments, including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), the Kenya Integrated Learning Examinations (KILEA), the Kenya Primary Leaving Examinations (KPLEA), and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).
According to the schedule, KCSE examinations will begin on October 21 and conclude on November 21, 2025, while KJSEA, KILEA, KPLEA, and KPSEA will be conducted between October 27 and October 30, 2025.
On prayer sessions, the circular states that schools will not be allowed to organise special prayers involving parents, external visitors or other outsiders. However, routine prayers and worship conducted by chaplains and teachers within the school community will continue uninterrupted.
Bitok further clarified that Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and similar events will only be permitted in the First and Second Terms, while prize-giving ceremonies, thanksgiving celebrations, and other social functions will remain restricted to the Second Term.
Teachers and officers directly involved in administering national examinations have also been instructed to remain on duty throughout the examination period.
“Annual leave for officers engaged in the administration of exams has been cancelled for the affected period,” the PS said.
The ministry has urged schools to comply fully with the guidelines, saying they are intended to safeguard the academic success of candidates.
“These steps are intended to allow students to focus entirely on their studies as they prepare for their respective exams,” Bitok said.
He added that school administrators and education stakeholders must inform all relevant parties about the changes and adjust their programmes accordingly.
The policy, he noted, is designed to ensure a smooth, organised and disruption-free examination season.
Top Stories Today
