Education CS George Magoha has ordered the early closure of all basic education schools on Tuesday to prepare for the general election set for Tuesday next week.

Magoha announced the Government’s decision that caught most parents off guard on Monday in a statement after consultations.

According to Magoha’s statement, the schools will close for one week and are expected to reopen on August 11, 2022 after the elections.

“As you are aware, Kenya is scheduled to conduct its national elections on Tuesday 9 August 2022. Therefore, following consultation, I hereby convey the Government’s decision on the immediate closure of all basic education institutions from Tuesday 2 until Wednesday 10 August to ensure that preparations and conduct of upcoming elections is carried out seamlessly,” Magoha said.

“This communication supersedes any earlier communication on the closure of basic education institutions.”

Magoha advised parents and teachers to ensure all pupils and students report to school on August 11, 2022.


The general election has again disturbed the school calendar, which had only ten weeks and was making up for the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Depending on the outcome of the presidential election, the calendar stands to be disrupted further.