The Ministry of Education has implemented a ban on all extra-curricular and social activities in schools for the duration of the Third Term.

According to a circular from the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Julius Bitok, this directive aims to minimize any potential disruptions during the critical exam period. The ban affects a wide range of events, including prayer sessions with parents and external guests, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), prize-giving ceremonies, and thanksgiving events.

The directive comes as schools prepare for a packed examination schedule. The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams will be held from October 21 to November 21, 2025. This will be followed by a series of assessments for younger learners, including the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Integrated Learning and Education Assessment (KILEA), Kenya Primary Learners Education Assessment (KPLEA), and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), all scheduled between October 27 and November 5, 2025.

While large-scale events are now prohibited, the Ministry has clarified that routine religious activities will continue. Dr. Bitok noted that regular prayers and worship led by school chaplains and teachers are not affected by the directive.

The Ministry has advised schools to reschedule all major functions, such as AGMs, prize-giving, and special prayer days for candidates, to the First or Second Terms of the academic year. This proactive measure is part of the Ministry’s commitment to creating an optimal environment for students to achieve their best results in the national examinations.