Starehe Boys’ Centre and School has announced an early closure for the mid-term break, changing its academic schedule due to ongoing concerns over school unrest affecting parts of the country. The institution confirmed that learners will break earlier than originally planned.
School Director Fred Okono said students will begin their half-term break on Friday, June 19, 2026. He noted that the adjustment aims to align with school activities planned for later in the month.
Return Date Set After Ministry Schedule
Okono confirmed that learners are expected back in school on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. The date aligns with the official Ministry of Education calendar for senior schools’ mid-term break.
He said the school will use the break period to prepare for upcoming institutional events. He added that academic work at Starehe has continued normally despite disruptions reported in other schools.
The early closure links directly to preparations for the Founders’ Memorial event. The annual ceremony brings together students and alumni to honour the school’s founder.
Okono said the school needs time to organize activities ahead of the event scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026. He stated that the break will allow smooth preparation without disrupting academic programmes.
Wider Education Sector Debate Continues
The decision comes at a time when education stakeholders continue to debate how schools should respond to rising unrest cases. Some institutions have already adjusted timetables following disruptions.
Teachers’ unions remain divided on the issue. The Kenya National Union of Teachers has opposed early closures, arguing that they interfere with the academic calendar and increase learning costs.
On the other hand, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers has supported a review of the school calendar. The union has proposed a mandatory mid-term break to help manage unrest in schools.
Education officials say only a small number of schools have been affected by unrest. Reports indicate that about 204 schools have experienced disruptions as of early June.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has outlined planned reforms to stabilize the academic calendar. He said the government is considering a uniform 12-week term structure starting in 2027.
He also confirmed that a multi-agency team has been formed to study the causes of school unrest. The team will recommend long-term solutions aimed at preventing future disruptions in learning institutions.
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