No early midterm! CS Ogamba says school calendar to remain unchanged

In a press address on Wednesday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said cases of unrest in schools have only been reported in 204 senior schools, as 98% of schools remain stable with normal operations. 

The CS noted that learning in primary and junior schools has continued uninterrupted with no significant interruptions reported. 

Ogamba argued that apart from the disruptions in a section of boarding senior schools, the education system is running smoothly. The ministry will therefore stick to the approved school calendar, where the mid-term break was scheduled for June 24 to June 28, 2026. 

“The unrest appears to be driven by a variety of factors, including leadership challenges in institutions; learner anxiety and examination-related stress; poor school conditions, especially in boarding sections; alcohol and drug abuse; strenuous school routines; peer influence and copycat behaviour, with learners demanding to be released early from school,” said Ogamba. 

Pressure was mounting on the ministry to change the school calendar and have students take an earlier midterm break. 

This was after unrest was reported in several senior schools that were burnt and other infrastructure destroyed. 

Tragically, an arson at Utumishi Girls Academy Senior School in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on May 28, 2026, claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 others injured.

9 girls suspected of starting the fire were arraigned at a Naivasha court, which ordered their detention at Nakuru children's remand home for 21 days.

The Education CS now says unlawful actions in schools will be dealt with firmly.

He further urged school heads to address emerging challenges in good time to ensure the safety and security of learners are guaranteed.

The ministry will form a multi-stakeholder team to review the causes of unrest and make recommendations on addressing the challenges. 

Parents have since been urged to spend the half term breaks nurturing their children to be responsible and law-abiding citizens.