School Principals Defy Ministry of Education Directive on Uniform
A lack of agreement between the Parliament and the Ministry of Education has provided school principals with an opportunity to increase tuition by inflating the cost of uniforms. The National Assembly adopted a motion in support of a standardized school uniform for all institutions of learning, which was sponsored by Githunguri Constituency MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.
Notwithstanding this, the Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu-led Ministry of Education has yet to develop a policy for the implementation of the law. Before the common uniform policy is implemented, the Ministry has warned school principals in a directive not to exaggerate the associated costs.
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The government cautioned schools in a circular to all school administrators against advising parents on where to purchase school uniforms. Furthermore, the Ministry cautioned educational administrators against imposing price controls on school uniforms, asserting that parents had the right to seek out reasonably priced alternatives.
Employing the stalemate between the two branches of government, school principals have maintained their practice of charging exorbitant fees for uniforms. Kahi Indimuli, chairman of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha), affirmed in June 2023 that school principals would maintain the authority to set uniform prices.
Indimuli reassured the nation that schools were not exploiting the situation to make profits but were rather providing an opportunity for parents to acquire uniforms conveniently and affordably. He pointed out that educational institutions typically solicit competitive bids and publicly advertise the availability of uniform supplies to ensure fairness.
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Indimuli provided support for school administrators by highlighting the fact that educational establishments solicit competitive bids and publicize the availability of supplies. Wamuchomba stated on Sunday that schools were extorting parents because they were unaware of the circular and therefore unable to assert their rights.
She further stated that allegations circulated that certain uniform associations were pursuing legal action to halt the implementation of the circular by the Ministry. The education sector continues to express concern as the standardized uniform policy awaits implementation.
There is an expectation that the Ministry will promptly address this issue, ensuring the protection of parents’ and students’ rights by enforcing transparent and reasonable uniform pricing practices in schools.
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School Principals Defy Ministry of Education Directive on Uniform
