The Ministry of Education has banned dedicated candidate prayer days, prize-giving ceremonies and thanksgiving events during the third term as the country prepares for the 2026 national assessments and examinations.
In a circular dated September 3, 2026, Principal Secretary for Basic Education John Ololtuaa directed schools to hold prize-giving ceremonies, thanksgiving events and dedicated candidate prayer days during the second term.
The Ministry said the measures are intended to minimize disruptions and unnecessary interaction with external parties during the national assessment and examination period.
“To facilitate effective preparation for and administration of these national assessments and examinations and to minimize disruption, the Ministry has deemed it necessary to regulate co-curricular, social and external-engagement activities throughout Third Term and the national assessment and examination period,” read part of the statement.
Regional, County and Sub-County Directors of Education have been directed to ensure all schools under their jurisdiction comply with the new measures.
Ministry of Education Bans External Prayer Sessions for Candidates
Prayer sessions involving parents, outsiders and other external visitors will not be allowed for candidates during the period. However, regular prayer and worship activities conducted internally by school chaplains and teachers may continue.
According to the circular, the ministry also directed schools to schedule Annual General Meetings only during the first or second term.
The restrictions come ahead of the 2026 examination and assessment period, with the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination scheduled for October 19 to November 20, while KPSEA, KILEA, KISEA and KPLEA assessments will take place between October 26 and 30.
The Ministry has also cancelled annual leave for officers during the national assessment and examination period.
Also Read: Ministry of Education Releases Timeline for Grade 9 Learners’ Selection into Senior School
Term 3 Calendar Dates
Term Three will run for nine weeks, beginning on August 24, 2026, and ending on October 23, 2026, according to the Ministry of Education school calendar.
The term will be followed almost immediately by the national assessment and examination period, with the first assessments scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) will run from October 26 to October 29, 2026, covering four days.
Over the same period, the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) will be administered from October 26 to October 30, 2026, covering five days.
Also Read: KNEC Releases 2026 KCSE Timetable and Guidelines
Meanwhile, the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA) will begin on October 26 and run until November 5, 2026.
The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination will then run from November 2 to November 20, 2026, covering three weeks.
| Activity | Start Date | End Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 3 | August 24 | October 23, 2026 | 9 Weeks |
| KPSEA | October 26 | October 29, 2026 | 4 Days |
| KILEA | October 26 | October 30, 2026 | 5 Days |
| KJSEA & KPLEA | October 26 | November 5, 2026 | 7 Days |
| KCSE | November 2 | November 20, 2026 | 3 Weeks |
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