Kenyan nursery, primary and junior secondary schools are on break. While most secondary schools have already broken, between 23rd and 25th February, all public and private schools officially break on 26th February 2025. According to Ministry of Education, schools will resume on 2nd March 2025.
Primary Schools Half-Term Break
The extension of the mid-term break to primary schools is due to former Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed. In 2018, she realised that younger learners needed rest periods and wanted them to be treated equally with secondary school students.
Upcoming Co-Curricular Activities
Once schools open, it will be co-curricular activities time, especially athletics. Many schools have already done inter-school and cluster competitions, now it’s zonal time in March. This year we have introduced ‘Kids Athletics’ for Grades 1, 2 and 3.
Unlike previous years, Ministry of Education has introduced age restrictions for school sports. Only students below 12 years can participate in primary school events, junior secondary students below 15 years and secondary students below 18 years. This is to promote fairness and protect younger students from injuries.
Athletic Events for Primary and Junior School Learners
First term will have the following athletic events:
- Sprints (Short Races): 100m, 100m hurdles (girls), 110m hurdles (boys), 200m, 400m, 400m hurdles
- Middle Distance Races: 800m, 1500m, 3000m
- Long Distance Races: 5000m, 5000m walk
- Relays: 4×100m, 4×400m, 4×400m mixed
- Jumps: High jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault
- Throws: Javelin, shot put, discus, hammer
Each school can enter one student for short races, two for middle distance and field events and three for long distance races.
Required Documents for Participants
To be eligible students must present the following documents:
- Birth certificate (for age verification)* School introduction letter
- Recent photo of the participant with the school head
2025 National Co-Curricular Calendar
There are several national events across different categories:
Secondary Schools Sports (April 5-13, 2025)
- Host Region: Coast
- Host County: Mombasa
- Events: Rugby 15s, athletics, basketball 5×5, hockey, handball, cross-country, swimming
- Opening Ceremony: April 7, 2025 at Shanzu TTC
Junior Schools (April 5-12, 2025)
- Host Region: Coast
- Host County: Mombasa
- Events: Athletics, cross-country, basketball 5×5, rugby 7s, swimming
National Drama and Film Festival (April 7-19, 2025)
- Host Region: Rift Valley
- Host County: Nakuru
- Venue: Afraha High School
- Gala Concert: April 15-16, 2025
- State Concert: April 18, 2025