The Ministry of Education has ordered a nationwide crackdown on schools that are charging parents high and unfair prices for school uniforms.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the ministry has received many complaints from parents, despite repeated warnings to schools to follow the law.
Bitok said regional and county education directors have been instructed to enforce new guidelines that will regulate how school uniforms are supplied and sold.
He warned that schools that ignore the new rules will face legal action and other penalties from the ministry.
“The ministry is concerned that some schools are setting rules that limit where parents can buy uniforms,” Bitok said. “This has led to high prices that put unnecessary pressure on parents.”
The issue of school uniforms has become more heated this year, especially after students moved to Grade 10 under the new education system.
Reports indicate that some school heads turned away students for reporting without the required uniforms. This sparked strong reactions from the government.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba recently warned that any principal who sends away a student over lack of uniform or school fees risks losing their job.
“No child should be sent away from school because of fees or uniforms,” Ogamba said during a public event in Kisii on January 26.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also said the government is working on measures to ensure students get uniforms and fee support after they have already reported to school.
President William Ruto has directed that learners from struggling families be allowed to join senior schools wearing their junior secondary school uniforms as arrangements are made.
“I am aware that some children have not reported to school because of fees and uniforms,” the President said on January 22. “Every child must report to school first. Other issues will be addressed later.”