Primary School Calendar 2027 Kenya: Grade 1 to 9 Term Dates
If your child is in pre-primary, primary or junior school, the primary school calendar 2027 Kenya will follow is Part A of the Ministry of Education circular dated 19 October 2026. One set of dates covers pre-primary, Grades 1 to 6 (primary) and Grades 7 to 9 (junior school), which keeps life simple for families with children at different levels.
This page lays out every term, half-term and holiday in plain language. For the secondary dates, or one page with everything together, see the full 2027 school calendar.
Quick answer: Primary and junior schools open on Monday 4 January 2027, close on 9 April, reopen on Monday 3 May, close on 30 July, reopen on Monday 30 August and finish the year on 5 November 2027.
Primary School Calendar 2027 Kenya: All Dates
Here is the full calendar for pre-primary, primary and junior schools, straight from Part A of the Ministry circular.
| Period | Starts / Opens | Ends / Closes | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term I | 4 January 2027 | 9 April 2027 | 14 weeks |
| Half-term break | 19 February 2027 | 28 February 2027 | 9 days |
| April holiday | 10 April 2027 | 2 May 2027 | 3 weeks |
| Term II | 3 May 2027 | 30 July 2027 | 13 weeks |
| Half-term break | 9 June 2027 | 20 June 2027 | 11 days |
| August holiday | 31 July 2027 | 29 August 2027 | 4 weeks |
| Term III | 30 August 2027 | 5 November 2027 | 10 weeks |
| KPSEA / KILEA / KJSEA / KPLEA (KNEC primary and junior assessments) | 1 November 2027 | 5 November 2027 | 5 days |
| December holiday | 8 November 2027 | 3 January 2028 | 8 weeks |
Prefer a printable version or want to see the secondary dates next to these? Our 2027 school calendar Kenya PDF page has both calendars and a download button.
What Is Different From the Secondary Calendar?
Not much, and that is worth knowing if you have children at both levels. Term II, the August holiday and Term III share exactly the same dates. The gap is in April: primary and junior schools close on 9 April while secondary schools close on 2 April, so your younger children get a three-week April holiday and your older ones get four. The half-term breaks are also a day shorter in primary (9 and 11 days against 10 and 12).
The November Assessments
The last week of Term III is busy. The circular puts the KNEC primary and junior assessments (KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA and KPLEA) from 1 to 5 November 2027, and Term III closes on the same Friday. KPSEA is the Grade 6 assessment and KJSEA is the Grade 9 assessment.
Once results are out, Grade 9 learners move on to senior school. We explain how to check your KJSEA placement and how to download your KJSEA admission letter in separate guides.
Planning the Year Around These Dates
- Term I is the longest at 14 weeks, so budget fees and uniform replacements early.
- The June half-term is 11 days, enough for a proper family trip if you plan ahead.
- Grade 6 and Grade 9 parents should keep 1 to 5 November free, and avoid travel that week.
- The December holiday is eight weeks. Schools open again after 3 January 2028, and the 2028 calendar will confirm the exact date.
More 2027 Calendar Guides
FAQ: Primary school calendar 2027 Kenya
When does Term I start for primary schools in 2027?
Primary and junior schools open on Monday 4 January 2027. Pre-primary follows the same dates.
When do primary schools close for the April holiday in 2027?
Term I closes on 9 April 2027, and the April holiday runs from 10 April to 2 May. Learners return on Monday 3 May.
How long are the half-term breaks for primary schools?
The February break runs from 19 to 28 February (9 days) and the June break from 9 to 20 June (11 days).
Is the junior school calendar the same as the primary one?
Yes. The circular groups pre-primary, primary and junior schools under one calendar, so Grades 1 to 9 all follow the same dates.
When are the KPSEA and KJSEA assessments in 2027?
The circular lists the KNEC primary and junior assessments from 1 to 5 November 2027, in the last week of Term III.
When do primary schools close for December 2027?
Term III ends on 5 November 2027. The December holiday runs from 8 November 2027 to 3 January 2028, which is eight weeks.
Where can I see the calendar for secondary schools?
It is on a separate page: the secondary school calendar 2027. Secondary dates differ slightly in April and in the half-term lengths.
Moving Up After Grade 9?
Placement, admission letters and school reporting questions are easier with a guide.
WhatsApp Us Now