The Ministry of Education in Kenya has recently revised the dates for the second term’s half-term break for students across pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools. This adjustment was officially communicated in a letter dated May 24 by Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang. The new half-term period will now be from June 26 to June 28, instead of the originally scheduled June 20 to June 23.
This change follows disruptions caused by severe flooding, which had already impacted the school calendar significantly. Initially, the school reopening was postponed from April 29 to May 13 due to the flood crisis. This decision was made by President William Ruto, as the adverse weather conditions had caused extensive damage, resulting in over 200 deaths, the displacement of more than 200,000 people, and nearly 2,000 schools being affected.
The memo from the Education Principal Secretary also noted that all learners attending boarding schools are expected to report back by June 30, 2024. The adjustment in the school calendar will likely require schools to revise their planned activities and schedules accordingly. The memo was widely circulated to key education stakeholders, including Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, the Teachers Service Commission CEO, the Kenya National Examinations Council CEO, and all regional directors of Education. These officials were instructed to ensure that the information was disseminated to all head teachers and principals.
The floods have posed significant challenges, prompting these changes to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. The Ministry of Education’s decision underscores the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in managing educational timelines amidst unforeseen circumstances.
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