The Kenyan Ministry of Education has unveiled the much-anticipated 2025 National Co-Curricular Activities Calendar, providing teachers, students, and educational stakeholders with a detailed timeline of events. This calendar is seen as a reprieve for teachers who have been eagerly waiting for clarity on the co-curricular schedule. The activities outlined aim to enhance students’ holistic development and ensure seamless participation across the country.
2025 National Co-Curricular Activities Calendar Highlights
The calendar caters to learners across different educational levels and includes various sports, academic, and cultural competitions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the planned activities:
Term 1: April 2025
Secondary Schools Sports (Under 18)
- Dates: 5th – 13th April 2025
- Sports: Rugby 15s, Athletics, Basketball 5×5, Hockey, Handball, Cross Country, Swimming
- Venue: Shanzu Teachers Training College (TTC), Mombasa
- Opening Ceremony: 7th April 2025
- Closing Ceremony: 12th April 2025
The event will host secondary school athletes from all regions, showcasing their talent and competitive spirit. The action-packed schedule includes a variety of team and individual sports to promote physical fitness and teamwork.
Primary Schools Sports (Under 12)
- Dates: 5th – 12th April 2025
- Sports: Athletics, Kids Athletics, Gymnastics, Cross Country
- Venue: Mombasa
- Opening Ceremony: 7th April 2025
Younger students will take center stage as they participate in events designed to nurture early sportsmanship and physical activity.
Junior Schools Sports (Under 15)
- Dates: 5th – 12th April 2025
- Sports: Athletics, Cross-Country, Basketball 5×5, Rugby 7s, Swimming
- Venue: NYS Grounds, Likoni
With a focus on enhancing junior-level participation, this category encourages younger athletes to engage in healthy competition.
Special Schools Athletics
- Dates: 5th – 13th April 2025
- Venues:
- Secondary Special Schools: Shanzu TTC, Mombasa
- Primary Special Schools: Sahajanand Special, Mombasa
These events emphasize inclusivity by providing a platform for learners with special needs to display their athletic abilities.
Kenya Science and Engineering Fair
- Dates: 6th – 12th April 2025
- Host Region: Eastern
- Venue: Kangaru High School, Embu
The fair will bring together innovative young minds, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
National Drama and Film Festival
- Dates: 7th – 19th April 2025
- Venues:
- Gala Concert: Ziwani School for the Deaf
- State Concert: Nakuru
Participants will demonstrate their storytelling and performing arts skills through captivating drama and film productions.
Term 2: July – August 2025
Secondary Schools Sports (Under 18)
- Dates: 26th July – 3rd August 2025
- Sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Netball, Rugby 7s, Badminton, Table Tennis, Tennis, Basketball 3×3
- Venue: Afraha Stadium, Nakuru
- Opening Ceremony: 28th July 2025
- Closing Ceremony: 2nd August 2025
This marks one of the largest gatherings, highlighting high-energy sports competitions and fostering regional unity.
Junior Schools Ball Games (Under 15)
- Dates: 26th July – 3rd August 2025
- Sports: Soccer, Volleyball, Netball, Handball, Basketball 3×3
- Venue: Nakuru High
Junior athletes will once again showcase their talents in a highly competitive environment.
Special Schools Ball Games
- Dates: 26th July – 3rd August 2025
- Venue: Njoro High
Designed for learners with special needs, this event is a testament to the ministry’s commitment to inclusive education.
Primary Schools Ball Games (Under 12)
- Dates: 26th July – 3rd August 2025
- Venue: Njoro High
The event will highlight the skills of younger learners, creating a pathway for future sports stars.
East African Competitions and Festivals
Kenya will also participate in East African regional competitions, which include the following:
Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association Championship
- Dates: 14th – 25th August 2025
- Venue: Nakuru
Kenya Music Festival
- Dates: 1st – 14th August 2025
- Venues: Meru School and Kaaga Girls
- State Concert: 14th August 2025
East Africa Music, Dance, and Drama Festival
- Dates: 15th – 25th August 2025
- Venue: Arusha, Tanzania
These events will see Kenyan students compete on a broader stage, promoting regional integration and cultural exchange.
Key Guidelines for Implementation
To ensure a smooth rollout of the calendar:
- Regional Directors of Education must distribute the calendar to all schools.
- Sub-County and County Directors should adhere strictly to the outlined dates and venues when organizing local competitions.
- Schools are encouraged to prioritize inclusivity, especially in events for learners with special needs.
What This Means for Teachers
The release of the co-curricular calendar is a sigh of relief for teachers who have been grappling with uncertainties. It allows educators to plan their schedules effectively and prepare students adequately for participation.
The calendar not only emphasizes sports but also cultural and academic activities, underlining the government’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded students. By including diverse categories such as special schools’ athletics and the science fair, it ensures that no learner is left behind.
Conclusion
The 2025 National Co-Curricular Activities Calendar is a comprehensive plan aimed at fostering talent, teamwork, and inclusivity among learners. It reflects the Ministry of Education’s dedication to developing holistic education while creating opportunities for learners to shine both locally and regionally.
With such a robust plan in place, Kenyan students and teachers are set for a vibrant year of activities, learning, and achievement.
