Parents could soon be allowed to choose where to buy school uniforms and be protected from extra school charges, if a new proposal in Parliament is adopted.
Members of the National Assembly are pushing for new rules that would stop schools from forcing parents to buy uniforms from specific shops and from sending learners home over non-essential fees.
The motion, sponsored by Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, aims to enforce constitutional rights to free and compulsory basic education as outlined in Articles 53 and 43 of the Constitution.
Lawmakers say some school practices have become a burden to parents, especially when it comes to compulsory uniform purchases and additional fees.
Under the proposal, schools would still set uniform standards, but parents would be free to buy them from any seller as long as they meet the required design and quality.
Mathenge said some schools have been unfairly locking parents into expensive arrangements.
“Certain administrative practices in schools, particularly compulsory sourcing of uniforms from designated outlets, are impeding students from learning,” he said.
The debate also saw concern raised over rising costs in schools, with Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara saying many families are under pressure.
“The education sector is collapsing. The Ministry of Education is not acting, and parents are suffering economically,” she said.
Another key proposal is to ban schools from sending students home over what MPs call “non-statutory fees.” These include charges for school feeding programmes, sports, and remedial lessons.
Lawmakers argue that such charges are often treated as compulsory yet are not officially required, leading to confusion and hardship for parents.
Funyula MP Gideon Ochanda said the lack of clear rules is hurting learners across the country.
“Each school is busy doing its own thing, and as they do so, those who are suffering are the children. Students are being sent home over such matters as food, sports and other matters,” he said.
The motion now calls on the Education Cabinet Secretary, working with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), to develop a clear regulatory framework within 90 days to guide schools on uniforms and extra charges.
If adopted, the changes could significantly ease the financial burden on parents and standardise how schools handle additional costs across the country.
