Term Duration and Significance

The Ministry of Education has officially released the academic calendar for Term 3 of 2025, marking the final stretch of the school year. The announcement, issued by the Office of the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, sets the term to run from Monday, August 25, 2025, to Friday, October 24, 2025, covering nine weeks of intensive learning.

Although it is the shortest academic term in the school year, Term 3 carries the most weight, particularly for candidates preparing for national examinations. The Ministry has emphasized the need for schools to strictly adhere to the provided dates to ensure uniformity in assessment and learning activities nationwide.

Public Holidays Within Term 3

Two key public holidays fall during this critical term:

• -Mazingira Day will be observed on Friday, October 10, 2025. This holiday, which highlights the importance of environmental stewardship, provides a three-day break for learners and teachers.

• -Mashujaa Day falls on Monday, October 20, 2025, creating another extended weekend during the academic term. The day is dedicated to celebrating national heroes and heroines who shaped Kenya’s history.

Both holidays fall on weekdays, meaning learners will benefit from much-needed breaks amidst the demanding academic schedule. However, schools have been cautioned to manage the time wisely, given the condensed nature of Term 3.

National Assessments and Examination Schedule

The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has scheduled a series of key assessments for this term, each targeting different levels of learners under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and the 8-4-4 system.

• -Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA): Scheduled from October 27 to October 30, this four-day assessment will test Grade 6 learners, marking a critical milestone in the CBC pathway.

• -Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA): Set to run from October 27 to October 31, this evaluation is specifically designed for learners with special needs at the intermediate level, ensuring inclusivity in national assessment.

• -Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA): Alongside the Kenya Pre-Vocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA), these assessments will span October 27 to November 6, covering nine days. They are crucial in tracking learners’ progress under CBC and shaping their academic pathways.

• -Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE): The national secondary school examination will take place between November 3 and November 21, lasting 18 days. This exam determines university placement and career progression for thousands of Form Four candidates.

The Ministry has stressed that examinations will proceed under strict timelines, with all institutions required to ensure preparedness and compliance.

School Closure and December Holiday

Upon the conclusion of Term 3 on October 24, 2025, learners will transition into the end-of-year holiday period, beginning on October 27, 2025. This holiday will last 10 weeks, extending until January 2, 2026, offering the longest school break of the year.

This extended holiday will allow students, teachers, and families to reset after a demanding year, while also giving ample preparation time for the opening of the 2026 academic year.

Ministry Restrictions During Term 3

As with previous years, the Ministry has placed restrictions on non-essential activities within schools during Term 3. All secondary schools are required to minimize distractions, with visits and co-curricular events put on hold until after the completion of examinations.

The directive aims to create a focused and secure learning environment for candidates sitting their national exams. Schools are expected to prioritize academic preparation, while parents and guardians have been urged to support learners by limiting interruptions at home.

Importance of the 2025 Academic Calendar

The release of the updated Term 3 calendar underscores the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining order and consistency in Kenya’s education system. With national examinations acting as the gateway to higher education and skill development, the structure of this term is crucial.

The Ministry has assured Kenyans that the calendar is designed to provide fairness, inclusivity, and adequate preparation time for learners at every level, from primary to secondary schools.