Gov’t Makes U-Turn, Rules Out Extending Second Term School Calendar Ahead Of Reopening

• The Ministry of Education, through Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, confirmed that the second term school calendar will proceed as scheduled, with no adjustments
• School heads have been instructed to admit learners unconditionally and to maintain the term dates and activities previously released
• Kipsang emphasised the importance of removing barriers to admission, such as uniforms and school fees, especially for learners affected by floods
• In addition to admission directives, schools are required to ensure the safety of all learners, including adherence to school transport guidelines

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - The Ministry of Education has announced the second term school calendar will not be tampered with as per earlier reports.

In a statement signed by Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang, school heads have been asked to unconditionally admit learners as the second term commences on Monday, May 13.

Kipsang further addressed concerns about disrupting the school calendar, advising schools to maintain term dates and activities as earlier released.

The PS urged day schools also to determine the appropriate reporting and departure time for learners.

"You are hereby instructed to ensure the implementation of the following directives in schools in your area of jurisdiction. Emphasize unconditional admission of learners, remove barriers such as uniform and school fees, especially for those affected by the floods," he said.

What other regulations were issued?

At the same time, Kipsang urged schools across the country to ensure the safety of all learners when they report to school.

He reiterated that school transport guidelines must be followed, including the night travel ban.

"Government regulations on school transport should be adhered to. Boarders travelling back to school should be on the roads between 6am to 6pm," he stated.

School administrations have also been tasked with conducting orientation sessions for learners on school compound safety measures.

The training should include emergency procedures and precautions to prevent accidents or injuries.

He added that all the necessary repairs and maintenance would be done on areas damaged by the recent floods.

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu announces extension of second term

Earlier, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said the second term will be extended.

While inspecting schools in Nairobi county ahead of reopening, he stated that the Ministry of Education would be reducing the duration of the August holiday to create enough time to complete the syllabus.

However, the dates for national exams, including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KSCE), would remain unchanged.

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke