Ministry of Education Bans School Activities in Third Term 2025 to Boost KCSE & KJSEA Exam Focus
Ministry of Education Bans All Extra-Curricular & Social Activities During Third Term 2025 to Focus on National Exams
The Ministry of Education has issued a circular banning all extra-curricular and social activities in schools during the Third Term 2025 to allow candidates to focus fully on national examinations. The directive — signed by Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Julius Bitok — is aimed at minimizing disruptions during the busy examination season.
Why this matters: The move seeks to protect concentrated study time for candidates sitting major national assessments later this month and next, and to ensure smooth, supervised administration of exams across the country.
Official exam dates (2025)
- KCSE 2025 (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education): October 21 – November 21, 2025
- KJSEA, KILEA, KPLEA & KPSEA assessments: October 27 – November 5, 2025
What the circular says
In a circular addressed to all Regional, County and Sub-County Directors of Education, Dr. Bitok said: "To enhance focus on effective preparation for national examinations and assessments, and to minimize disruptions, the Ministry shall implement strict controls on extra-curricular and social activities during the Third Term."
Activities suspended during Third Term
The circular lists the following activities as suspended or not permitted during the Third Term examination period:
- Prayer sessions involving parents and external guests
- Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
- Prize-giving ceremonies
- Thanksgiving events and dedicated prayer days for candidates
However, the Ministry clarified that routine prayers and worship led by school chaplains and teachers within the school community may continue uninterrupted.
“There shall be no prayer sessions for candidates involving parents, outsiders, or external visitors. However, regular prayer and worship activities conducted by school chaplains and teachers within the school community shall remain unaffected,” — Principal Secretary Dr. Julius Bitok.
Scheduling guidance & staff deployment
The Ministry directed that AGMs, prize-givings and similar events be scheduled only in the First or Second Terms of the academic year. Additionally, the government has suspended annual leave for all education officers during the examination period to ensure full supervision and support for the exercise.
Implications for schools, parents and candidates
School administrators should inform parent-teacher associations and community stakeholders about the temporary suspension of external events. Parents are advised to avoid scheduling external visits or gatherings involving candidates during the specified exam windows so as not to disrupt student preparation.
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