Nairobi: Schools across the country have officially closed for the third term, ushering in a long 11-week holiday that will see learners remain at home as candidates sit for their national examinations. National examinations for Grade 6, Grade 9, and the form-four learners will be conducted from October 27 through to the end of November 2025, before ushering in the festive season.
According to Kenya News Agency, the holiday also coincides with the traditional initiation season, which has already gained momentum in central Kenya with posters appearing all over inviting parents to enroll their boys in initiation camps. For many families, the extended break comes with mixed feelings: excitement and also anxiety over how to keep children engaged and at the same time disciplined throughout the holiday.
Lucy Wambui, a parent from Kenol town, said the long holiday is welcome but added that it requires a lot of planning. 'I have two teenagers and a younger one in primary school. It's a long time to have them at home, so I've planned activities for them which include helping at the shop and reading,' she said, adding, 'I also hope that our church will organize some youth programs which they will attend and stay more engaged and grounded; it is not easy bringing up teenagers in this digital era.'
Another parent, Samuel Gathogo, a fruit vendor, expressed concerns about the economic challenges this year making it harder to meet children's needs during the break. 'When schools close, food consumption goes up, and children also want entertainment and new clothes as the festive season approaches,' he said. 'We already feel strained and hard-pressed, and now we have to stay home with them for more than two months so we must plan carefully and engage in more activities to generate income.'
Albert Nduati, a father of three from Kangari, emphasized that keeping children engaged is the best way to maintain discipline and family harmony. 'Parents can find productive activities for the kids to do to keep them busy,' he said. 'We also need to spend time with our children to understand them better so that we will know their strengths and weaknesses and support their development.'
Parenting experts are urging parents to use the holiday as a period to reconnect and mentor their children rather than leaving them idle or unsupervised. Kenol-based Counselling Psychologist, Purity Gachukia, noted that while the long break is an opportunity for bonding, it can also expose children to social vices if not managed well. She noted that any sudden change in behavior in a child ought to alarm a parent, as that is the only way to detect any mental health issues that ultimately impact the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being of a child and those around him or her.
Gachukia stressed the importance of spending quality time with children during the school break, highlighting the need for families to rebuild relationships. 'Talk to your children, involve them in chores, and teach them practical life skills. A child who feels understood and valued is less likely to seek validation from peers or engage in risky behavior,' she said.
She also warned parents against overburdening younger school-going children by giving them adult responsibilities. 'Let the children be children; let them play with their peers but ensure their safety, just give them enough room to explore their childhood,' she warned.