Learners in primary and secondary schools will begin their five-day mid-term break from June 25 to June 29, as over 9,000 principals head to Mombasa for their annual Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) conference.

The second term will resume after the break, giving learners three more weeks to complete the syllabus and prepare for end-term examinations before closing again for the August holiday.

Third term is expected to be the busiest as candidates gear up for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment, Kenya Junior School Education Assessment, and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.

The Kessha conference will run from June 22 to June 27 at Sheikh Zayed Hall in Mombasa, under the theme “Embracing Pathways in Senior School.”

Discussions will focus on the implementation of career pathways for senior school, which is currently being undertaken by 1.2 million Grade 9 learners across the country.

“Currently, 1.2 million Grade 9 learners are selecting their preferred career pathways and subjects for senior school—an exercise that will last for one month,” said Kessha National Chairman Willie Kuria.

He said the principals, who will begin admitting Grade 9 learners next year, will use the conference to outline expectations and share strategies on delivering the new curriculum.

A major point of discussion will be the Ministry of Education's directive requiring 100 national schools to introduce day wings to accommodate day scholars and promote 100 per cent transition.

However, principals have raised concerns about the directive. “Mixing boarders and day scholars could be dangerous,” they said, indicating resistance to the move.

The conference programme includes an open forum with senior officials from the Ministry of Education, including Director-General Dr Elyas Abdi and directors overseeing various education sectors such as Senior School Education, Quality Assurance, and Special Needs Education.

Technical University of Mombasa Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar, a member of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms, will address how schools can use innovation and technology to enhance senior school learning.

Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu will speak on the need to safeguard school funds, while the Teachers Service Commission will present on the implementation of pathways and the responsibilities of teachers and stakeholders.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is expected to highlight the role of school leadership in advancing national health through strong school health systems and the newly established Social Health Authority.