Schools to Break for Two Holidays and Mid-Term in June

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Schools to Break for Two Holidays and Mid-Term in June.

Public and private schools across Kenya are set to experience multiple interruptions in learning during June due to two public holidays and a scheduled mid-term break. These disruptions follow the opening of Term Two on April 28, 2025, which is the longest term in the school calendar, spanning 14 weeks until August 1, 2025.

The first interruption came shortly after schools reopened, as learners and teachers observed Labour Day on May 1. The next pause will occur on Sunday, June 1, as the nation marks Madaraka Day. Since this holiday falls on a Sunday, it will extend to Monday, June 2, as per national regulations, causing a suspension of learning and business operations for that day. Schools are expected to resume on Tuesday, June 3.

However, just a few days later, on Friday, June 6, another national holiday—Eid Ul Adha—will be celebrated, leading to an additional school break. The Office of the Chief Kadhi confirmed the date, stating that the Supreme Court in Saudi Arabia had sighted the Dhul Hajj 1446H Crescent on May 27, making Wednesday, May 28 the first day of Dhul Hajj, with Arafah falling on June 5 and Eid on June 6.

In a statement, the Chief Kadhi’s office noted that Eid would be celebrated by Muslims across the country through prayers and ritual sacrifices in honor of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his son in obedience to Allah.

June Mid-Term Break and Early Departures

In addition to the holidays, learners will take a mid-term break later in the month. As outlined in the Ministry of Education’s official calendar, schools will break from Tuesday, June 24 to Sunday, June 28, resuming classes on Monday, June 29. Despite the set dates, many secondary schools are known to release students earlier than scheduled.

Co-Curricular Activities and Sports Revamped

Sporting activities have resumed in most schools, and the Ministry has updated the co-curricular activities calendar for the second term. Notably, junior school teachers have been included in the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPSSA) via formal elections.

The Ministry directed primary schools to involve pupils below 12 years in co-curricular activities, while junior and secondary schools were instructed to ensure learners under 15 and 18 years respectively are engaged in similar programs. The ball games for each category are as follows:

Primary Schools (Under 12 Years):

• Soccer – Boys/Girls
• Volleyball – Boys/Girls
• Netball – Boys/Girls
• Handball – Boys/Girls

Junior Schools (Under 15 Years):

• Soccer – Boys/Girls
• Volleyball – Boys/Girls
• Netball – Boys/Girls
• Handball – Boys/Girls
• Basketball 3×3 – Boys/Girls

Assessment Projects and Practical Work Underway

Various school-based assessment (SBA) projects and practicals are ongoing for primary and junior school learners. The Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) mandated all schools to upload the assessment outcomes for Grades 4 and 5 by May 31, 2025. The projects, which include subjects like Science and Technology, Creative Arts and PE, and Agriculture and Nutrition, were availed through the Competency-Based Assessment (CBA) portal in March.

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Knec had earlier urged primary headteachers, through a circular issued on January 21, 2025, to maintain all assessment records and evidence. To minimize costs, the Council advised schools to use locally available materials or improvise where necessary.

A teacher in Nairobi stated that their school had completed most practicals and was now uploading scores. She explained that the biggest challenge had been internet disruptions but added that they were on track.

Broader Scope of Assessments: All Levels Involved

Apart from Grades 4 and 5, practicals and projects are ongoing in other classes as well. Grade 3 learners are undertaking the Integrated Learning Assessment (ILA), which integrates all learning areas. Grades 7 and 8 are completing projects in Agriculture, Creative Arts and Sports, and Integrated Science, while Grade 9 learners are working on a KJSEA Creative Arts and Sports project. A Knec official warned that late submission of KJSEA project scores would attract a Sh500 fine.

Here are the project upload timelines:

Assessment Timelines Summary

Grade 9 Qualifying Test Scheduled

Grade 9 learners will sit for a Qualifying Test from June 9 to June 11, 2025. This online test will assess their readiness for the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA). According to the Knec timetable, the first day, Monday, June 9, is set aside for rehearsal.

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Testing begins on Tuesday, June 10 with Mathematics (8:30–10:30 AM) and English (11:30 AM–1:10 PM). On Wednesday, June 11, students will tackle Integrated Science (8:30–10:10 AM) and Kiswahili (11:30 AM–1:10 PM). A Knec coordinator expressed optimism, stating that most schools are now well-versed with digital platforms and expect a smooth process.

KJSEA Qualifying Test Timetable

As schools juggle national holidays, mid-term breaks, and heavy academic schedules, school heads and teachers continue to balance between co-curricular engagements and project submissions. A senior teacher remarked that this term has been packed but manageable, noting that advance planning and support from parents had made things smoother.

Schools to Break for Two Holidays and Mid-Term in June.