High Cost Of Stationery As Schools Reopen

High Cost Of Stationery As Schools Reopen.As schools open for the first term, parents have been taken aback by the high cost of learning materials.They are now requesting that the government exempt them from the additional school levies levied in secondary schools.According to Julius Omuga, chairman of the Homa Bay National Parents Association, some secondary school principals imposed too many levies on parents.“I know of a school where parents have been asked to pay Sh25,000 for a student’s uniform. There are too many levies, which deter students from poor families from acquiring education,” Omuga said.The chairman accused the government of being unconcerned about implementing affordable education.He chastised Ministry of Education officials for failing to protect parents from the additional levies.Parents in Kakamega complained about the high cost of educational materials.A 120-page A5 exercise book that previously cost Sh35 now costs Sh55, and a textbook that previously cost Sh600 now costs Sh900. A school Bible cost Sh1,200, up from Sh800.“On one hand, the government says it offers affordable education. On the other hand, school heads are imposing extra charges which make education expensive,” Omuga said.In addition, an A4 file that previously cost Sh35 now costs Sh70, and a biro pen that previously cost Sh15 now costs Sh25.Photocopy paper, which used to cost Sh400, now costs between Sh550 and Sh600.Margaret Andeso, a parent, stated that things had gotten worse, particularly in light of the recent economic downturn. She stated that she paid Sh680 for photocopying paper, up from Sh380.“Let the ministry officials come out and protect parents against the unnecessary school levies. Some of their policies are just said without implementation,” he added.ALSO READ:Many parents who went to buy school uniforms returned empty-handed because they couldn’t afford them, according to Elizabeth Yaa.She urged the government to reduce the cost of uniforms and other school supplies in order to alleviate the burden on parents.High Cost Of Stationery As Schools Reopen

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