The Ministry of Education has banned schools from engaging in any activities within their premises in the third term.

In a directive to the regional, county, and sub-county Directors of Education on Wednesday, September 4, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang ordered strict adherence to the enforcement aimed at curbing exam cheating

“The purpose of this circular is to ask you to enforce the directive by ensuring that schools do not conduct any of these activities. Please bring the content of these circulars to the attention of all schools under your jurisdiction.’’ the directive read in part.

The ban was introduced by former Education CS Fred Matiang’i as a way of minimizing contact between candidates and outsiders to regulate cheating in national examinations.

It means there will be no activities such as prayer days, visits, half-term breaks, sports, and prize-giving ceremonies, among others.

School calendar for third term, official closing and exam dates

Motivational speakers will also not be allowed to give talks to students as they prepare to sit for the national exams.

“Any head teacher who is allowing them in their schools is doing so at their peril,” the PS stated.

The Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) exams are scheduled to begin on October 28 and end on October 30, with the rehearsals set to begin on October 25, 2024.

On the other hand, the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) will begin on October 22 and end on November 22.

Candidates will have their rehearsal on October 18, with oral, practical and foreign paper on October 22, 2024, to November 1, 2024.

The exam will begin with English Paper One in the morning and Chemistry Paper One in the afternoon.

Unlike previous KCSE papers, this year’s papers will be customized with students’ names, index numbers, and other personal details pre-printed on the papers.

Additionally, at the end of each paper, the section containing the candidates’ details will be removed and packed separately to prevent examiners from identifying the candidates while marking.