No gowns this term as State reaffirms ban on PP2 graduations

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Parents will not witness their young ones donning tiny gowns and caps to mark the move to Grade One this year after the Ministry of Education reminded schools that Pre-Primary 2 (PP2) graduation ceremonies remain banned during the third term.

The reminder follows the ministry’s August 27, 2025 circular (Ref: MOE.HQS/3/2/5), which prohibits all social and non-academic events during the exam term. They include the increasingly popular PP2 graduations.

According to the circular signed by Principal Secretary for Basic Education Prof Julius Bitok, schools should reserve the third term exclusively for academic work and national examination preparations. 

He directed Regional, County and Sub-County Education Directors to ensure compliance and take action against defiant institutions.

The move, although not new, has jolted some schools that had already invited parents to attend their PP2 graduation ceremonies.

This is a tradition that has, over the years, become an emotional highlight for families under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

The ministry argues that such events, often involving expensive gowns, entertainment, and photography. They  eat into learning time and impose unnecessary financial pressure on parents.

“The third term is purely for academic activities and national examinations. No social gatherings, including graduation ceremonies, should be held,” reads part of the ministry’s directive.

Some institutions have since issued cancellation notices, opting instead for modest in-class acknowledgments where teachers mark the transition to Grade One without the usual pomp.

In several counties, parents had already prepared for the brief graduation moment.

They say it often motivates young learners and helps parents celebrate early academic milestones.

Education officials have emphasized that the ban is not limited to PP2 events alone. 

It also covers external prayer days, thanksgiving functions, and large-scale gatherings until the end of national exams.

While the gowns will remain packed away this year, teachers have been encouraged to find simple, cost-free ways to recognize learners’ efforts — without compromising the integrity of the academic calendar.