The National Assembly has endorsed its legislative program for 2026, featuring three distinct session periods, numerous recess intervals, and an extended year-end adjournment to direct the House’s activities.
According to a Gazette Notice published by Clerk of the National Assembly Samuel Njoroge, the calendar was established through a resolution passed on February 11, 2026, in compliance with Standing Order 28.
“It is notified for general information that the National Assembly approved the Calendar of the Assembly (Regular Sessions) for 2026 as set out,” the notice declares.
The House commenced its first session on February 10 and will continue its regular proceedings until December 3, 2026.
Legislators will convene on Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday mornings and afternoons, and Thursday afternoons.
The initial session extends from February 10 to March 12, after which members will enter a brief recess from March 13 to March 30.
Proceedings will resume from March 31 to April 30, followed by an extended holiday period between May 1 and May 25.
The annual National Assembly Prayer Breakfast is scheduled for May 28.
The second segment of the legislative year commences on May 26 and concludes on June 25.
Lawmakers will then take another short recess from June 26 to July 20, before resuming sessions from July 21 to August 20. A second extended recess is planned from August 21 to September 21.
The third session will operate from September 22 to October 15, after which the House will observe a short recess from October 16 to November 2.
Parliamentarians will reconvene for the final period from November 3 to December 3 before embarking on an extended recess that will last from December 4, 2026, to January 25, 2027.
Committee meetings will also be suspended during the festive season, from December 14, 2026, to January 18, 2027.
Njoroge indicated that the schedule aims to harmonize legislative responsibilities with oversight functions, constituency engagement, and committee assignments.
“In accordance with the Standing Orders, morning sessions begin at 9.30 am and afternoon sessions commence at 2.30 pm.,” he stated.
Nevertheless, the Clerk emphasized that the House maintains the authority to modify its program when circumstances require.
“The House may decide to hold sessions on additional days and times beyond the published Calendar,” the notice specifies.
The organized calendar offers predictability for Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff, government departments, and the general public, particularly for scheduling legislative tasks such as budget approval, Bill deliberations, committee investigations, and government program supervision.
The prolonged recess durations are also anticipated to allow MPs opportunities to interact with constituents and assess development initiatives in their respective electoral areas.
Parliament generally synchronizes its calendar with major national processes, particularly the budget cycle, which reaches its peak between April and June.
The release of the calendar occurs as the Thirteenth Parliament enters its fifth session, with legislators poised to address a comprehensive legislative agenda, encompassing economic reforms, governance frameworks, and sector-specific legislation.
With the schedule now officially documented, focus shifts to the House Business Committee, which will arrange and sequence legislative priorities within the authorized timeframe to ensure efficient operations throughout the year.