2026 · National term
Term I
Opens: 6 Jan 2026
Closes: 2 Apr 2026
Half-term:
25 Feb 2026 – 1 Mar 2026
2026 · National term
Term II
Opens: 27 Apr 2026
Closes: 31 Jul 2026
Half-term:
24 Jun 2026 – 28 Jun 2026
2026 · National term
Term III
Opens: 24 Aug 2026
Closes: 23 Oct 2026
Breaks and assessment guidance
| Period | Dates (inclusive) | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| April holidayHoliday | 7 Apr 2026 – 24 Apr 2026 | All learners except examination candidates where applicable | Guidance |
| August holidayHoliday | 3 Aug 2026 – 21 Aug 2026 | All learners except examination candidates where applicable | Guidance |
| December holiday (non-candidates)Holiday | 26 Oct 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 | All learners except examination candidates where applicable | Guidance |
| Grade 10 written SBA: access and score-upload windowAssessment window | 5 Oct 2026 – 23 Oct 2026 | Grade 10 listed subjects: tools available 5 October; scores due 23 October. Confirm school paper times. | Guidance |
| KCSE rehearsalNational examination | 16 Oct 2026 – 16 Oct 2026 | Form 4 candidates; the continuing 8-4-4 cohort | Guidance |
| KCSE oral, practical and written papersNational examination | 19 Oct 2026 – 20 Nov 2026 | Form 4 candidates; individual subject dates and times follow the KNEC timetable, not the Grade 10 calendar. | Guidance |
January-December academic year. Dates are inclusive. School reporting instructions and KNEC subject timetables take precedence. Third-term visits and activities remain restricted under the Ministry circular. 2027 term dates await a verified Ministry circular.
Source: Ministry of Education 2026 term-date circular (reproduced by Education News Hub). Checked 10 Oct 2026.
KPSEA and KJSEA are primary and junior-school assessments. Visit KNEC’s current timetables for those levels and for full KCSE paper schedules.