Schools To Close Early Ahead of April Holidays, Here’s Why

Schools across the country are preparing to close for the April holiday, with the official closing date set for April 4, 2025.

According to the Ministry of Education (MOE) school calendar, this marks the end of the first term after thirteen weeks of learning. However, a significant number of schools, particularly secondary schools and those with a large Muslim population, have opted to close earlier than scheduled.

The decision for early closure is largely influenced by the upcoming public holiday, Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn to dusk. This year, the celebration is expected to take place on the evening of Monday, March 31, 2025, making Tuesday, April 1, 2025, a public holiday in Kenya. However, as Islamic holidays are based on lunar sightings, the exact date may be subject to change.

Given the close proximity of the Eid holiday to the official school closing date, many schools have resolved to break early to allow Muslim students, teachers, and staff to fully participate in the festivities.

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This move is expected to be particularly beneficial for schools in regions with a high Muslim population, such as parts of the Coast, North Eastern, and Nairobi. By closing ahead of schedule, schools are ensuring that Muslim families have sufficient time to celebrate with their loved ones without academic interruptions.

Apart from accommodating religious observances, early closure is also being driven by financial considerations, particularly in secondary schools.

Many institutions are looking to reduce operational costs such as food, electricity, water, and fuel, which continue to strain school budgets. With schools facing increased financial pressure, an early break provides a temporary reprieve from daily expenses.

Meanwhile, as the term draws to a close, students have been actively participating in co-curricular activities, including athletics and drama competitions. Most primary, junior, and secondary schools have already concluded their zonal-level contests and are now gearing up for the county-level championships.

These activities are expected to continue until schools officially close, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their talents and compete at higher levels.

As schools finalize preparations for closure, parents and guardians are encouraged to make necessary arrangements for their children’s safe return home. With the three-week holiday set to begin, students will have time to rest before resuming learning for the second term in late April.

Ultimately, while the early closure of some institutions may slightly disrupt learning schedules, it provides a welcome opportunity for both financial relief and cultural inclusivity, ensuring that all students and teachers can fully participate in the upcoming holiday celebrations.

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