Education Ministry Rejects Push for Standardized School Uniforms Nationwide
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has affirmed that students nationwide cannot be outfitted in identical uniforms. Machogu reiterated this stance during his appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Implementation on Tuesday, in response to allegations that his Ministry was reluctant to embrace the proposal championed by lawmakers.
He explained that the diverse climatic conditions in the country precluded the possibility of a standardized uniform for all pupils and students. In some regions where extremely cold weather prevails, heavy garments like sweaters are necessary, while in other areas with high temperatures, lightweight clothing is more suitable.
Machogu also emphasized that different uniforms were symbolic of distinct cultural traditions.
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“School uniform has become a form of tradition. Additionally, the climate and weather conditions in this country vary significantly from one place to another,” the CS elaborated.
He acknowledged the committee’s previous advice for the Ministry to develop a policy aimed at preventing cartels from colluding with school principals to compel parents to purchase uniforms from specific shops.
Nevertheless, Machogu maintained that he had issued a circular to all schools, urging parents not to succumb to the manipulative tactics of principals.
The committee pointed out that a circular is not equivalent to a policy, emphasizing the need to establish a comprehensive policy regarding standardization and production of school uniforms in the country.
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The Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER) was the organization that first suggested standardizing uniforms throughout the nation.
In January, Moses Kuria, the Public Service CS, also endorsed this concept. He asserted that schools ought not to engage in the sale of uniforms.
He emphasized the Ministry of Education’s focus on giving priority to academic activities and executing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
A similar effort to standardize learning included painting all school buses yellow.
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Education Ministry Rejects Push for Standardized School Uniforms Nationwide
