The Education Ministry has banned all extracurricular activities, including Prayer Day, for third term, in all schools.
In an official notice dated August 28, Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced that the move is aimed at enhancing extra focus among students ahead of the upcoming Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) and the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams.
"To enhance focus on effective preparation for national examinations and assessments, and to minimise disruptions, the Ministry shall implement strict controls on extracurricular and social activities during the Third Term," the circular reads in part.
The third and final term is mainly considered an exam period in schools, and the PS revealed that it is important for students not to be distracted by such activities.
The Ministry announced that KCSE will run from October 21 to November 21, while KJSEA will run from October 27 to November 5.
The Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA) and the Kenya Primary Literacy Education Assessment (KPLEA) will take place from October 27 to 30.
The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) runs from October 27 to October 29.
The events that have been banned include Prayer Day, which is held by many schools and attended by parents ahead of the exams. Other activities are Annual General Meetings (AGMs), prize-giving ceremonies, thanksgiving events, and visiting days.
Bitok, however, clarified that prayers for students ahead of the exams will still take place, but strictly conducted by chaplains and teachers within schools, and will continue uninterrupted.
"There shall be no prayer sessions for candidates involving parents, outsiders, or external visitors. However, regular prayer and worship activities conducted by school chaplains and teachers within the school community shall remain unaffected," the PS stated.
AGMs and other gatherings have been strictly scheduled for the first and second terms. Annual leave for officers during the examination period is cancelled.
Schools have been directed to adhere to the circular as preparations for the national exams continue.
