Kenyan learners resumed classes today, April 29, 2025, marking the start of the second term under the Ministry of Education’s detailed 2025 academic calendar. The second term, which spans 14 weeks, will run until early August and features a scheduled half-term break from June 25 to June 29. This break provides students and teachers with a much-needed opportunity to rest and recharge before completing the remaining weeks of the term.
According to the Ministry’s plan, schools will then transition to the third term on August 25, 2025. Unlike the second term, the third term is shorter, running for nine weeks and concluding on October 24. This period is crucial as it precedes national examinations, a time traditionally marked by heightened academic activity and preparation.
At the end of the third term, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams will commence on October 27 and conclude on October 30. KPSEA is an important milestone for learners transitioning from primary to junior secondary school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework.
Following the KPSEA, the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations will kick off on November 3 and run until November 21. KCSE exams are a pivotal moment for Form Four candidates, determining their access to universities, colleges, and various career opportunities.
The Ministry’s outlined calendar aims to restore and maintain regular school operations after previous years of disruption caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. It ensures that learners cover the necessary academic material while also balancing periods of intensive study with strategic breaks.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the calendar, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the schedule to ensure a smooth academic year. Schools have been urged to focus on syllabus coverage and learner support as the country moves towards a more stable academic cycle.
As the new term kicks off, the focus now shifts to learning, discipline, and preparations for the high-stakes national examinations that await at the close of the year.
