The Ministry of Education has officially unveiled the revised academic calendar for the third term of the 2025 school year, marking a critical phase for learners, parents, and teachers as they prepare for the most consequential part of the academic cycle.
The calendar, released through the Office of the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, outlines key dates for schools nationwide, including timelines for national examinations and assessments under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Among the highlights are schedules for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), and Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA). These evaluations are designed not only to test academic knowledge but also to measure competencies and skills in line with CBC’s core objectives.
Term 3: Duration and Significance
According to the ministry’s circular, Term 3 began on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will run until Friday, October 24, 2025. Spanning just nine weeks, it is the shortest term of the academic year but arguably the most crucial, as learners in transition grades prepare for national assessments and final examinations.
The ministry has emphasized strict adherence to the calendar to ensure uniformity and fairness across the country, particularly in the administration of national exams that determine progression to higher education levels.
Public Holidays During the Term
The term will feature two national holidays:
Mazingira Day on Friday, October 10
Mashujaa Day on Monday, October 20
Both holidays will create extended weekends for learners and teachers. While these breaks offer some respite, the ministry has urged schools to manage time effectively to maintain academic momentum ahead of examinations.
Examination Timelines
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will administer a series of assessments as follows:
Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA)
Scheduled for October 27–30, targeting Grade 6 learners transitioning to junior secondary school.
Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA)
Set for October 27–31, focusing on learners with special needs at the intermediate level to promote inclusivity.
Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) & Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA)
To run concurrently from October 27 to November 6, offering critical feedback on learners’ skills, abilities, and future career pathways.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
The KCSE exams, a gateway to higher education, will take place between November 3 and November 21, lasting 18 days.
As is tradition, Term 3 will remain a restricted school period. The ministry has banned non-essential activities and unnecessary school visits until examinations conclude. The measure aims to safeguard exam integrity and provide a conducive environment for candidates.
