Some secondary school principals have given their students an early mid-term holiday. This is approximately one week ahead of plan.
According to the initial school calendar, students were ti go for half term break next week on Thursday, July 29, and would return on July 2.
Basic Education PS Bellio Kipsang revised the start date of the mid-term by one day in a circular dated April 24. Dr. Kipsang said that the mid-term break would now begin next Tuesday, June 27.
Kipsang stated that the evaluation was prompted by secondary school principals’ request for space for their 46th annual conference, which is set to take place next week.
“The ministry recognizes that the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) conference is an important event that allows schools managers to make a review and share experiences in running of schools,” said Kipsang.
Kessha chairman Kahi Indimuli had requested the ministry to extend the learners mid-term break, saying the meeting coincided with the break.
Despite the shift in mid-term dates, some schools have already sent students home over a week early, raising concerns.
It has been revealed that some schools have sent students home early due to a lack of finances to keep students in school. Others blamed the learners’ absence on the ongoing sub-county music festival.
Some parents questioned the appropriateness of sending their children home early, given that the government had just released billions of dollars to schools.
The PS sent a memo last week announcing the disbursement of funding to schools and cautioning principals against sending students home.
Kipsang’s signature was on a circular indicating that cash had been distributed to schools. The PS stated in the circular that the Sh24 billion needed to settle the final tranche.