Schools across the country are set to reopen on Monday August 25, for a short but intense third term, which is marked by a packed calendar of national examinations and curriculum piloting.

It is expected to put financial strain on both schools and parents.

The term comes with strict government regulations, suspended co-curriculars and delayed funding that has left schools on edge.

The term, the shortest in the school calendar, will run until October 24 and culminate in a busy examination season that includes the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), and the Kenya Learners Education Assessment (KILEA).

Form Four candidates will sit the traditional KCSE beginning November 3, while more than 1.2 million Grade Nine learners prepare for the inaugural KJSEA, which will determine their placement into senior secondary. Grade Three and Six pupils will also take their KILEA and KPSEA assessments, with the latter marking their transition into Junior Secondary School.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the government had retained tough restrictions to protect the credibility of the exams.

“The tough rules were necessary to safeguard the credibility of our national examinations,” he said, confirming that examination and curriculum reforms are on track.

Under these measures, non-academic activities, mid-term breaks, and even school prayer days remain suspended.

At the same time, the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) is finalising materials for senior secondary, with Grade 11 and 12 programmes scheduled for rollout in 2027 and 2029.

However, the reopening has triggered frustration among parents. Many say the mid-month date has left them struggling to find school fees and transport money.

Transport has also added to the difficulties, with long-distance bus services increasing fare prices on key routes from Nairobi to Nyeri, Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori and Mombasa to Nairobi.

Principals have also issued stern reminders to parents on clearing arrears.

The government’s delay in releasing capitation funds has left schools struggling to prepare for the high-cost exam season. Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) chairman Willy Kuria said schools are opening with empty accounts.

“We are opening schools with empty coffers. We are going into examination season, where we need to procure chemicals for practical subjects as well as keep schools running. We want the government to release capitation before schools reopen this week,” he said.

The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Akelo Misori warned that delayed funding risks disrupting the crucial third term.

“Students are back in school, yet the government has not sent capitation to schools. As you are aware, national examinations are around the corner. How will principals prepare learners?” he posed.

“We want to appeal to the government to consistently wire the funds as per the agreed formula. What we have is a situation where money is not released in full.”