Primary and secondary school learners across Kenya are set to go on a five-day mid-term break beginning Wednesday, February 25, according to the official 2026 academic calendar released by Ministry of Education Kenya.
The short holiday falls right in the middle of the first term, offering students and teachers a timely pause after several weeks of intense classroom learning.
Schools reopened in January, and many institutions have since been working through packed lesson schedules, assessments, and co-curricular activities.
Education officials say the mid-term break is designed to help learners rest and mentally recharge before resuming classes for the remainder of the term.
Stakeholders in the sector note that the first term is often one of the busiest, especially as schools align their programmes with the competency-based framework guided by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development.
School administrators have already begun communicating travel and safety guidelines to parents ahead of the break.
In major towns such as Nairobi, some families are planning short trips, while others intend to keep learners engaged through revision, reading, and talent-building activities.
Teachers encourage parents to strike a balance between rest and light academic engagement to maintain learning momentum.
Officials have also reminded school heads to ensure that students report back promptly once the break ends.
Maintaining attendance is considered critical, particularly for candidates preparing for national examinations later in the year.
Education planners emphasize that sticking to the academic calendar helps prevent syllabus delays and last-minute pressure.
Beyond academics, the break comes at a time when conversations around student well-being are gaining attention nationwide.
Child development experts argue that structured school breaks play an important role in improving concentration, emotional health, and overall performance when learners return to class.
Many parents have welcomed the announcement, saying the mid-term holiday provides valuable family time after a demanding start to the school year.
For learners, the five-day pause represents both a reward for early-term effort and a chance to return refreshed for the weeks ahead.
As schools prepare for the closure date, education stakeholders continue to stress discipline, safety, and responsible planning to ensure the break benefits learners academically and socially.
