In a significant move to ensure that students are fully prepared for national examinations, the Ministry of Education has announced a ban on all extra-curricular and social activities in schools during the Third Term. The directive, issued by Dr. Julius Bitok, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, is aimed at minimizing disruptions and creating a focused environment for candidates. This decision underscores the government's commitment to improving academic performance and ensuring the integrity of the national examination.
The ban comes just weeks before a series of major national examinations are set to begin. The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations will run from October 21 to November 21, 2025, while a range of other assessments—including the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Integrated Learning and Education Assessment (KILEA), Kenya Primary Learners Education Assessment (KPLEA), and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA)—will be conducted between October 27 and November 5, 2025.
According to the circular, the Ministry will "implement strict controls on extra-curricular and social activities" to ensure effective preparation. The list of banned activities is extensive and includes prayer sessions involving parents and external guests, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), prize-giving ceremonies, and thanksgiving events. However, Dr. Bitok clarified that routine prayers and worship led by chaplains and teachers within the school community will continue as normal.
According to the circular, the Ministry will "implement strict controls on extra-curricular and social activities" to ensure effective preparation. The list of banned activities is extensive and includes prayer sessions involving parents and external guests, Annual General Meetings (AGMs), prize-giving ceremonies, and thanksgiving events. However, Dr. Bitok clarified that routine prayers and worship led by chaplains and teachers within the school community will continue as normal.
The Ministry has directed that AGMs, prize-giving, and other celebratory events be strictly scheduled for the First or Second Terms of the academic year. The government has also suspended the annual leave for all officers during the examination period to ensure full supervision and support for the entire exercise.
This directive has been met with mixed reactions. While some educators and parents welcome the move as a necessary measure to ensure students are not distracted, others argue that a complete ban on social activities may add to the pressure on students during an already stressful period. However, the government’s message is clear: the Third Term is a time for serious academic focus, and all hands are on deck to ensure that candidates have the best possible chance to succeed.
