Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the 2026 academic calendar for basic education institutions and Teacher Training Colleges has been changed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 19, Ogamba said the Ministry of Education had noted the spread of misleading information regarding the opening dates for the third term.
The CS clarified that schools and Teacher Training Colleges will reopen as earlier scheduled, urging parents, teachers and learners to disregard information that has not been communicated through official Ministry channels.
“The academic calendar for basic education institutions and Teacher Training Colleges remains unchanged,” Ogamba said.
According to the approved academic calendar, learners in basic education institutions will report for the third term on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The term will run for eight weeks and is scheduled to end on October 23, 2026. The dates apply to basic education institutions operating under the Ministry’s approved 2026 academic calendar.
Teacher Training Colleges will also reopen on August 24, but their third term will run for a longer period, ending on November 6, 2026.
The clarification comes as parents and learners prepare for the final term of the 2026 academic year, with some schools expected to begin making arrangements for the return of learners.
Ogamba further confirmed that national assessments and examinations will proceed according to the existing schedule issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).
The CS urged the public to verify education-related announcements before acting on information shared through social media platforms, where unverified claims can quickly gain traction.
“Parents, teachers, learners and members of the general public are advised to strictly rely on the Ministry's official communication channels and field officers for accurate information,” the statement said.
The final term is expected to be significant for candidates preparing for national examinations and assessments, as schools enter the closing phase of the academic year.
With the Ministry maintaining the approved calendar, parents have been advised to complete preparations for the August 24 reopening and ensure learners report on time.