Kenya’s Ministry of Education has confirmed that all primary and secondary schools will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026, marking the start of the new academic year. The announcement follows the official 2026 school calendar issued by the Office of the Principal Secretary for Basic Education.
The reopening comes after the long December holiday that begins at the end of Term Three in 2025. Learners across the country are expected to report back to school on January 2, 2026, as teaching and learning activities resume for the new academic year.
The Ministry noted that schools should be fully prepared for the reopening, including completion of admissions, reporting procedures, and staffing arrangements. Parents and guardians have also been encouraged to make early preparations to ensure learners resume studies on time.
According to the Ministry, the 2026 calendar is structured to ensure smooth continuation of learning under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), with adequate time allocated for instruction, assessments, and national examinations later in the year.
School heads have been advised to strictly adhere to the approved dates to maintain uniformity across the country and avoid disruption of learning programs.
