Schools will officially close on Thursday, April 2, marking the end of a 13-week first term in the 2026 academic calendar.
Learners in pre-primary, primary, junior and senior schools will proceed on a three-week holiday, with the second term scheduled to begin on April 27, 2026.
However, some boarding schools began releasing learners as early as Monday, March 30, in a bid to cut operational costs.
The early departures come against the backdrop of funding concerns, with school heads indicating that government capitation remains insufficient.
The government disbursed Sh44.2 billion to public schools on January 2, but administrators say the allocation covered barely half of the funds required for the first term.
Capitation is issued based on verified student enrolment using a 50:30:20 ratio across the academic year—50 per cent in Term One, 30 per cent in Term Two, and 20 per cent in Term Three.
Some secondary school principals reported receiving Sh7,000 per learner, falling short of the expected Sh11,112 for the first term, which represents half of the annual Sh22,244 allocated per student in public secondary schools.
Meanwhile, police have stepped up security measures to manage the surge in travel associated with school closures and the Easter holiday period.
The National Police Service (NPS) said it has intensified traffic enforcement and increased security presence as families and learners travel across the country.
The service noted that the holiday period is typically marked by heightened movement and social gatherings, presenting unique safety and security challenges that require a coordinated response to maintain law and order.
In a statement, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga called for collective responsibility in ensuring road safety, urging pedestrians, matatu operators and boda boda riders to strictly observe traffic regulations.
“This includes observing speed limits, using designated crossing areas, wearing protective gear and reflective clothing, and avoiding risky behaviours such as driving under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
Nyaga added that the NPS has deployed additional officers to boost patrols and enhance surveillance in public spaces and residential areas.
“We strongly encourage the public to remain vigilant and continuously share timely information about any suspicious activity,” he said.
The April school holiday will run until April 26, with learners expected to report back on April 27 for the second term. The term will last 14 weeks and conclude on July 31, 2026.
A mid-term break is scheduled from June 24 to June 28, after which learners will continue until the end of term before proceeding on another three-week holiday from August 3 to August 21, 2026.
