The policy to ban co-curriculum activities in schools was first introduced in 2021 by former Education PS Julius Jwan.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has reiterated that no co-curriculum activities are to take place in schools as learners reopen for the Third Term.
The policy to ban co-curriculum activities in schools was first introduced in 2021 by former Education PS Julius Jwan.
In a directive to the regional, county, and sub-county Directors of Education, PS Kipsang reinstated the ban, directing strict and full compliance with the enforcement by schools.
“Your attention is drawn to the directive vide circular dated 21st January, 2021 by the Ministry of Education not allowing indicated activities and visits to schools during third term,” Belio directed in the circular seen by Viral Tea.
President William Ruto issues KCPE exam papers at Kikuyu Township Primary School in Kiambu County on October 30, 2023. /PCS
The PS on Wednesday, September 4 directed that the Regional Directors of Educations and Sub-County Directors of Educations ensure the policy is upheld.
“Please note that the ban of these activities still stands. It is important that the ban is strictly adhered to by all relevant individuals and organizations,” he noted.
The PS asserted that it is key that schools do not conduct any of the co-curriculum activities banned ahead of crucial end-of year exams for learners.
He directed all Regional Directors of Education to ensure all the schools around them are reminded of the directive as learner report to their various institutions.
The ban was aimed at minimizing contact between candidates and outsiders and in particular to regulate cheating in national examinations.
Among the activities that were banned in the Third Term included Annual General Meetings and Prayer Days which were very common ahead of national examinations.
Motivational speakers will also not be allowed to give talks to students as they prepare to sit for the national exams, a tradition many schools held in the past.
Kipsang, in a previous directive, gave an order to principals that they would be held liable if any of the motivational talks were allowed in their schools. “Any head teacher who is allowing them in their schools is doing so at their own peril,” the PS stated.
It was also reported that there were individuals who used to pretend to be sent by the ministry, thereby trying to lure the headteachers into buying fear and accepting them.
Kipsang asked the teachers in his directive to inform the police so that action could be taken against such individuals. “Head teachers should immediately call the police in case anybody visits their schools with letters of permission purported to be from the ministry.” the order stated.
According to the calendar, the third term for all schools commenced on Monday, August 26 and is set to run for nine weeks, concluding on October 25, 2024.
After the third term is over, schools will then proceed for the December Holiday from October 26, 2024, to January 3, 2025, for 10 weeks.
A group of school girls walking on the streets of Nairobi. /NMG