MINISTRY BANS EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN THIRD TERM TO PRIORITIZE EXAM PREPARATION

The Ministry of Education has banned all extracurricular activities during the third term in all schools, including the commonly observed Prayer Day. This move, outlined in a circular dated August 28, 2025, by Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, is intended to help students remain focused as they prepare for the upcoming national examinations. According to the PS, the decision is aimed at enhancing concentration among candidates and minimizing any form of disruption during this critical exam period. “To enhance focus on effective preparation for national examinations and assessments, and to minimise disruptions, the Ministry shall implement strict controls on extracurricular and social activities during the Third Term,” the circular stated.

The third term, typically considered the examination season in schools, will now proceed without activities that could divert students’ attention. The Ministry announced that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will be conducted from October 21 to November 21. The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) is scheduled for October 27 to 29. Additionally, the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) will take place from October 27 to November 5, while the Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) and the Kenya Primary Literacy Education Assessment (KPLEA) will both be held from October 27 to 30.

As part of the restrictions, schools are barred from holding events such as Prayer Days that involve parents, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), prize-giving ceremonies, thanksgiving events, and visiting days. These activities are often held to encourage and celebrate students ahead of exams, but the Ministry now deems them disruptive. However, the Ministry clarified that prayer sessions will not be entirely suspended. Regular prayers and worship conducted within the school by chaplains and teachers will continue. “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,” PS Bitok explained.

Furthermore, AGMs and similar gatherings are now restricted to the first and second terms. In a further measure to ensure smooth administration of national exams, the Ministry has also cancelled annual leave for education officers during the examination period. Schools have been instructed to comply fully with these directives as part of ongoing preparations for the national assessments.