2026 Term 3 School Dates, Holidays, and Exam Schedule

Kenyan schools will reopen for Term 3 on Monday, 24 August 2026, kicking off a 14-week term that runs straight into national assessments and the December holidays, according to the 2026 academic calendar published by CBC Edu Kenya.

In the first week, all learners are expected to report to school as exams and classes will begin with intensive revision.

There will be just one official mid-term break before the exams, which is between 7 and 11 October 2026; schools will be enjoying a 5-day Mid-Term Break.

Also, one public holiday is provided for Heroes Day, usually known as Mashujaa Day.

The holiday will begin on Tuesday, 20th October 2026.

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Kenya’s National Examinations Scheduled from October 26th to November 20th 

KCSE, KJSEA, KPSEA and KILEA are Kenya’s national examinations and certificates administered by the Kenya National Examinations Council as part of the ever-changing schooling in Kenya.

For Grade 12 learners, parents are notified that the exams (KSSEA) are set from 26th October to 20th November.

KJSEA for junior secondary, which contributes to 60% of senior secondary placement, is also set from 26th October to 20th November.

KEPSEA, which contributes to 20% of junior secondary placement, is also set on the same day as grade 9 and 12 learners.

“For students with special needs, KPLEA exams are set from 26th October to 20th November.” The board noted.

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Closing Day for Term 3 and Midterm Break

The year will be busy for both parents and students with national examinations slotted in during the last two months (October & November).

There will be just one official mid-term break before the exams, which is between 7 and 11 October 2026; schools will be enjoying a 5-day Mid-Term Break.

Students will then proceed to take a lengthy break immediately following exams.

The “Long holiday” is marked on the calendar, and it is approximately 5 weeks and 2 days, spanning 37 days, from November 28, 2026, to January 3, 2027.

The third term calendar is available at http://cbcedukenya.com, as they wrap up the 2026 school year.

To ensure that national assessments are administered smoothly, schools have been asked to stick to the schedule.

Term 3 ends on Friday, 27 November 2026: “Report cards will be issued and the academic year ends” on the same day.

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Schools to Reopen August 24 as Term 3 Exams Begin. Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Education in Kenya, Julius Migos Ogamba