Government to review school calendar from 2027 in bid to curb student unrest

The Ministry of Education has announced plans to review the school calendar beginning in 2027 as part of wider efforts to address rising cases of student unrest in learning institutions.

Speaking on Wednesday, Education CS Julius Ogamba said the changes will aim to balance school terms and reduce pressure that contributes to disturbances in some institutions.

The reforms come amid growing concern over disruptions in learning, with authorities pointing to academic pressure as one of the contributing factors affecting stability in schools.

Ogamba noted that the second term is traditionally the longest in the academic year, a situation the Ministry now wants to address through restructuring.

"Starting next academic year, the Ministry shall rationalise the school calendar to ensure balanced terms across the school year," he said.

Despite the planned reforms, the Ministry confirmed that the current school calendar remains unchanged, including the Second Term mid-term break scheduled for June 24 to June 28, 2026.

“The mid-term break for the Second Term of the 2026 School Year will take place as scheduled, from June 24, 2026, to June 28, 2026,” Ogamba said.

He added that pressure for immediate changes to the calendar had been noted, but would not alter the approved schedule.

According to Ogamba, the unrest appears to be driven by a variety of factors, including leadership challenges in institutions, learner anxiety and examination-related stress, poor school conditions, especially in boarding sections, alcohol and drug abuse, strenuous school routines, peer influence and copycat behaviour, with learners demanding to be released early from school.

The Ministry said cases of unrest have only been reported in 204 senior schools, representing a small fraction of institutions, with 98 per cent of schools operating normally.

The CS noted that learning in primary and junior schools has continued without disruption.

Ogamba maintained that, apart from isolated incidents in some boarding senior schools, the education system remains stable and will continue operating under the existing calendar.

Pressure had been mounting on the Ministry to shorten the term or introduce an earlier mid-term break following unrest that led to the destruction of property and the closure of several schools.

The situation worsened after the arson attack at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28, 2026, which left 16 students dead and 79 others injured.

Nine girls suspected of starting the fire were arraigned at a Naivasha court, which ordered their detention at Nakuru children’s remand home for 21 days.

The CS said unlawful actions in schools will be dealt with firmly and urged school heads to act early to prevent escalation of emerging challenges.

He also announced that a multi-stakeholder team will be formed to examine the causes of unrest and recommend long-term solutions.

Parents have been urged to use the half-term break to guide and support their children in becoming responsible citizens.

Instructions have also been issued to schools to improve engagement and safety systems. “Schools shall urgently convene consultative Parents Association meetings to review the state of affairs and learner welfare in their respective schools," Ogamba said.

“Schools shall strengthen safety measures and address any concerns and grievances that learners may have raised. Schools shall also intensify guidance and counselling programmes and strengthen learner-grievance handling mechanisms.”

County and sub-county education offices have been directed to conduct targeted inspections and safety audits in institutions considered at risk.