"Unchanged": Govt clarifies when schools will reopen for 3rd term

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Education CS Julius Ogamba issued a public clarification after misleading information spread across social media platforms

- Fake reports suggested that the academic calendar for basic education institutions had been altered ahead of Term III

- The Ministry warned parents, teachers, and learners to rely only on official communication channels for accurate updates

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has moved to address false reports circulating on social media claiming that schools and Teacher Training Colleges would not reopen as scheduled for Term III 2026.

In a press statement released on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Ogamba confirmed that the academic calendar remains intact and that no changes have been made to the approved term dates.

Term III Opening Dates Confirmed

According to the Ministry of Education, basic education institutions are set to reopen on August 24, 2026, with the term running through to October 23, 2026.

Teacher Training Colleges will also open on August 24, 2026, but will remain in session until November 6, 2026.

Ogamba further noted that national assessments and examinations would go ahead as previously communicated, in accordance with the timetable issued by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

Ministry Warns Against Fake Information

The Cabinet Secretary urged parents, guardians, teachers, learners, and members of the public to disregard any information about the academic calendar that does not originate from the Ministry's official channels or designated field officers.

The statement did not name specific social media platforms where the misleading content had appeared, but the Ministry indicated it had taken note of the widespread confusion the false reports had caused.

The clarification comes at a critical period in the school calendar, with national examinations on the horizon for candidates in various classes. Any confusion over reopening dates risks disrupting preparation schedules for both learners and teaching staff ahead of the assessments.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.