Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has unveiled plans to overhaul the country’s academic calendar beginning next year, introducing equal-length school terms in a move aimed at improving learning outcomes and reducing learner fatigue.
Speaking on Wednesday, June 10, Education CS Julius Ogamba announced that the Ministry of Education is finalising plans to standardise the duration of all school terms to approximately 12 weeks each.
The proposed reforms are expected to take effect from the start of the next academic year and form part of a broader strategy to create a more balanced and learner-friendly education system.
Currently, the academic calendar is structured unevenly, with the first term running for 12 weeks, the second term extending to 14 weeks, and the third term lasting only nine weeks.
According to Ogamba, this arrangement has created significant challenges for both learners and teachers, prompting the government to review the existing structure.
“The first term is 12 weeks, the second term is 14 weeks, and the third term is 9 weeks. We are now going to rationalise that and have 12 weeks across the board,” Ogamba said.
He noted that the ministry has already begun working on the proposed adjustments and expressed confidence that the new system will help ease pressure on learners while promoting consistency in curriculum delivery.
“We are working on that, and from the next academic year, school terms will be rationalised as part of the reforms we are undertaking to ensure that our students do not get exhausted,” he added.
Education stakeholders have for years raised concerns about the uneven distribution of school weeks, arguing that the prolonged second term often leaves learners and teachers overwhelmed, while the shorter third term forces schools to rush through the syllabus and prepare students for examinations within a limited timeframe.
The disparity has also made academic planning difficult, with schools frequently adjusting lesson schedules and co-curricular activities to fit varying term lengths.
The proposed reforms are expected to bring greater stability to the education sector by ensuring a more uniform learning experience throughout the year.
Education experts believe equal-length terms could improve learner concentration, reduce burnout, and allow teachers to manage coursework more effectively.
Despite the anticipated changes, Ogamba clarified that the current academic calendar will remain unchanged until the end of the year. He assured parents, teachers, and learners that all scheduled school activities will proceed as planned.
The Cabinet Secretary further confirmed that learners will break for the scheduled mid-term holiday from June 24 to June 28, 2026, urging parents and guardians to take advantage of the period to strengthen engagement with their children.
“Parents are urged to use the break to spend time with their children and to provide guidance and support to them. Any grievances or concerns should be articulated appropriately and shared with schools,” Ogamba said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of increasing incidents of student unrest reported in schools across the country. According to the Ministry of Education, at least 204 schools have experienced cases of unrest so far, raising concerns about student welfare, discipline, and the overall learning environment.
In response to the worrying trend, the government has announced the formation of a multi-stakeholder task force tasked with investigating the root causes of the unrest and recommending practical interventions to prevent future occurrences.
The team will bring together key education stakeholders, including school administrators, parents, teachers, counsellors, and government officials, to develop comprehensive solutions.
Ogamba emphasised that understanding the underlying factors contributing to student unrest is critical to restoring stability in schools and ensuring learners can pursue their education in a safe and supportive environment.
Additionally, the Cabinet Secretary directed County and Sub-County Education Officers to immediately conduct targeted safety assessments and audits in schools across their jurisdictions.
The exercise will focus on identifying institutions considered vulnerable or at risk of disturbances and implementing preventive measures before situations escalate.
The ministry is also strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure schools maintain proper safety standards and provide adequate support systems for learners. Officials will be expected to work closely with school management teams to identify emerging challenges and address them promptly.
As part of the government’s response, Ogamba also announced plans for urgent consultative meetings involving Parents Associations across the country.
The forums will provide an opportunity for parents, school administrators, and education officials to review the current state of affairs in schools, discuss learner welfare concerns, and explore strategies for enhancing student well-being.
The government believes that increased collaboration between schools, parents, and education authorities will play a crucial role in addressing behavioural challenges among learners and fostering a positive school culture.
The proposed academic calendar reforms and the measures aimed at curbing unrest reflect the government’s broader commitment to strengthening the education sector, improving learning conditions, and ensuring that students receive quality education in a stable and conducive environment.
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