Kenya: Belio Kipsang reaffirms third-term ban on school activities

Education ministry of Kenya has reiterated its ban on certain school activities during the third term.

In a circular dated Tuesday, September 3, Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang instructed all regional, county and sub-county directors of education to enforce the ban established in January 2021.

The directive prohibits activities such as prayer days, visits, half-term breaks, sports, prize-giving ceremonies and annual general meetings.

This measure aims to limit interactions between students and outsiders to prevent cheating during the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.

"The ban on the indicated activities remains in force. It is crucial that all relevant individuals and organisations adhere to this directive," said Kipsang.

The ban initially introduced by former Education CS Fred Matiang’i in May 2016 was intended to curb cheating by reducing opportunities for candidates to exchange materials during prayer days and other events.