School Reopening Dates: Full Academic Calendar for 2026

As the December holiday comes to an end, parents, teachers, and learners across the country are preparing for the start of the 2026 school calendar.

Millions of learners in pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary, and tertiary institutions are expected to return to school in early January, officially ending the long festive break.

When Will Schools Open in 2026?

According to the Ministry of Education, all schools will reopen for Term One on January 5, 2026. Most learners have been on holiday for nearly two months since schools closed in November.

The first term will run for 13 weeks and is scheduled to end on April 2, 2026, after which learners will proceed for a three-week April holiday.

Schools will then reopen for Term Two on April 27, 2026.

Half-Term Break Dates

The ministry has also confirmed that Term One will have a half-term break. Learners and teachers will be off duty from February 25 to March 1, 2026, giving them five days to rest before continuing with the term.

Parents Feel the Pressure

While learners enjoy the last days of the holiday, many parents and guardians are busy preparing for reopening. Buying school uniforms, books, shoes, and other supplies has made the festive season stressful for some families.

Grade 10 Learners to Report Mid-January

The year 2026 will be special as the first group under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) transitions to junior secondary school.

The first Grade 10 learners are expected to report to their assigned schools on January 12, 2026.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that 1,130,459 learners sat for the national examinations, including 578,630 boys and 551,829 girls.

Strict Admission Rules Through KEMIS

The Ministry of Education has directed that all public and private schools must admit Grade 10 learners strictly through the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS).

“No principal shall register a learner in KEMIS before they physically report to school. Daily online reporting will be monitored,” the ministry stated.

The government says the move is meant to ensure transparency, accountability, and smooth placement of learners across the country.