The Ministry of Education has banned all extracurricular activities in schools during the third term, including Prayer Day, Annual General Meetings, and prize-giving ceremonies, to ensure students remain fully focused ahead of national examinations.
In a circular dated August 28, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok directed schools to suspend such events, stressing the final term should strictly be an exam preparation period.
“To enhance focus on effective preparation for national examinations and assessments, and to minimize disruptions, the Ministry shall implement strict controls on extracurricular and social activities during the Third Term,” the circular read in part.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will run from October 21 to November 21. The Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) will be held between October 27 and November 5, while the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) and the Kenya Primary Literacy Education Assessment (KPLEA) are scheduled from October 27 to 30. The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will take place from October 27 to 29.
Among the events affected by the directive is Prayer Day, a long-standing tradition where parents and guardians gather in schools to pray for candidates before exams. However, Bitok clarified that prayers would continue inside schools, but only under the supervision of chaplains and teachers.
“There shall be no prayer sessions for candidates involving parents, outsiders, or external visitors. However, regular prayer and worship activities conducted by school chaplains and teachers within the school community shall remain unaffected,” the PS stated.
The Ministry further cancelled annual leave for officers during the exam period and directed that AGMs and other gatherings be confined to the first and second terms.
Schools have been instructed to strictly comply with the circular as the country prepares for the crucial exam season.
