The Ministry of Education on Thursday issued fresh guidelines on school reporting and departure times ahead of the third-term reopening scheduled for Monday, 24 August 2026. Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that the academic calendar remains unchanged despite circulating social-media claims of a postponement.
The new directives aim to improve learner safety, reduce congestion at school gates and align transport arrangements with current traffic patterns. Specific times vary by school category and location, but the overarching message is that institutions must communicate clearly with parents and ensure supervised arrival and departure windows.
Parents and teachers had expressed anxiety after fake notices circulated online claiming a delay. The Ministry moved quickly to dismiss the misinformation and urged the public to rely only on official channels. The reopening comes as schools continue implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum and preparing for national assessments.
Many institutions are still addressing infrastructure gaps and teacher shortages, particularly in junior secondary sections. Education officials have also reminded schools of the NTSA transport safety checklist issued earlier, requiring verified vehicles and drivers for learner transport. For families, the clarification brings relief after weeks of uncertainty. Boarding schools are expected to receive learners over the weekend, while day schools will resume normal routines on Monday.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to a smooth start to the term and called on county education officers to monitor compliance. As the new term begins, attention will shift to learning recovery and ensuring that the remaining academic year runs without further disruption.