The reports, which circulated rapidly on social media platforms and WhatsApp groups over the weekend, suggested that the government had quietly extended the school holiday, sparking anxiety among families who were unsure when learners were expected to return to class.
The rumours led to heated discussions online, with some parents expressing concern over potential disruption to the academic calendar, while others questioned whether schools were prepared to reopen amid lingering challenges in the education sector.
However, the Ministry of Education has now moved to clarify the situation, dismissing the claims as false and misleading.
According to the Ministry, there has been no official announcement postponing the reopening of schools beyond the originally scheduled date.
Officials emphasized that any change to the academic calendar would only be communicated through formal channels and not through social media speculation.
As per the official 2026 school calendar, all primary, secondary, and junior secondary schools are expected to reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026, marking the beginning of the first term of the new academic year.
“The Ministry has not issued any directive extending the school holiday to January 15,” an education official stated, urging parents and guardians to ignore unverified online messages.
The Ministry further explained that in the event of exceptional circumstances such as extreme weather conditions, public health emergencies, or national security concerns, any decision to delay school opening would be communicated promptly through national media, the Ministry’s website, and official school communication channels.
Parents across different counties voiced frustration over the spread of misinformation, saying false reports cause unnecessary panic and confusion during an already stressful back-to-school period.
“Some of us had already started rearranging plans because of what we saw on WhatsApp. It’s worrying how fast false information spreads,” said a parent in Nairobi.
Education stakeholders noted that misinformation during school holidays has become increasingly common, often driven by social media users sharing unverified content without confirmation from credible sources.
Teachers also expressed concern, warning that such rumours undermine proper planning and may affect learner discipline if parents delay sending children back to school based on false information.
The Ministry of Education urged parents, students, and teachers to rely strictly on official communication from the Ministry, reputable media houses, or direct notices from individual schools.
“There is no truth to claims that schools will remain closed until January 15,” the Ministry reiterated.
As per the official 2026 school calendar, all primary, secondary, and junior secondary schools are expected to reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026, marking the beginning of the first term of the new academic year.
“The Ministry has not issued any directive extending the school holiday to January 15,” an education official stated, urging parents and guardians to ignore unverified online messages.
The Ministry further explained that in the event of exceptional circumstances such as extreme weather conditions, public health emergencies, or national security concerns, any decision to delay school opening would be communicated promptly through national media, the Ministry’s website, and official school communication channels.
Parents across different counties voiced frustration over the spread of misinformation, saying false reports cause unnecessary panic and confusion during an already stressful back-to-school period.
“Some of us had already started rearranging plans because of what we saw on WhatsApp. It’s worrying how fast false information spreads,” said a parent in Nairobi.
Education stakeholders noted that misinformation during school holidays has become increasingly common, often driven by social media users sharing unverified content without confirmation from credible sources.
Teachers also expressed concern, warning that such rumours undermine proper planning and may affect learner discipline if parents delay sending children back to school based on false information.
The Ministry of Education urged parents, students, and teachers to rely strictly on official communication from the Ministry, reputable media houses, or direct notices from individual schools.
“There is no truth to claims that schools will remain closed until January 15,” the Ministry reiterated.
“Learners are expected to resume classes on January 5, 2026, as scheduled.”
With just hours remaining before the official reopening, parents and guardians have been encouraged to prepare their children accordingly and disregard any social media posts suggesting otherwise.
With just hours remaining before the official reopening, parents and guardians have been encouraged to prepare their children accordingly and disregard any social media posts suggesting otherwise.