Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro with Maragi Mixed Secondary School students during Murang'a East sub-county Career Day on June 5, 2026/ ALICE WAITHERA Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has called for a review of Kenya’s school calendar, arguing that additional breaks during the second term could help ease pressure on learners and reduce cases of unrest.
Speaking on Thursday in his constituency, Nyoro said the country must confront the growing challenges facing learning institutions and consider reforms that prioritise student welfare.
“We must do something to avert what is happening in our institutions,” said Nyoro. “As a country, we should consider whether there is a need to change the school calendar. Perhaps in the second term we should have both visiting days and mid-term breaks.”
The lawmaker said the second term has traditionally placed immense pressure on learners due to its length and demanding academic schedule, making it necessary for education stakeholders to explore interventions that could improve student well-being.
“Maybe it could help ease the pressure. We could even have two short mid-term breaks. I am not saying this to please anyone. I am saying this because we need to reflect as a country,” he said.
His remarks come against the backdrop of recurring incidents of student unrest in secondary schools, which in recent years have been linked to a combination of factors including academic pressure, mental health concerns, disciplinary issues and social challenges facing learners.
The Ministry of Education has on several occasions expressed concern over the trend, with stakeholders calling for measures aimed at strengthening guidance and counselling programmes while improving communication between schools, students and parents.
Nyoro said some of the country’s leading institutions are among those experiencing challenges, an indication that the problem cuts across different categories of schools.
“Some of our premier schools are facing challenges. Even some national schools are affected. Instead of the ministry congratulating itself, let us see whether there is something we can do by reworking the second-term calendar,” he said.
The MP proposed the introduction of short breaks within the term, saying such a move could provide students with an opportunity to reconnect with their families and relieve academic stress before resuming their studies.
“Even if students attend school for four or five weeks and then get a short voluntary break, perhaps from Thursday to Monday, with two short mid-terms, it might ease the pressure and help prevent some of the incidents happening in schools,” he said.
His proposal comes at a time when education stakeholders are increasingly paying attention to student mental health and the overall learning environment, with experts arguing that academic performance should be balanced with the emotional and psychological well-being of learners.
Nyoro also urged the government to focus on improving conditions in the education sector, including timely disbursement of capitation funds and adequate support for schools facing financial constraints.
The second term remains the longest in the school calendar and is often associated with heightened academic activity as schools prepare candidates for national examinations and complete a significant portion of the syllabus.
