Principals Defy Ministry Directive on School Uniform
A standoff between the Ministry of Education and Parliament has inadvertently opened the door for school principals to exploit an apparent loophole, leading to an increase in school fees through inflated uniform costs.
The National Assembly, driven by Githunguri Constituency MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, took the initiative to pass a motion advocating for a standardized school uniform across all educational institutions.
However, despite this parliamentary motion, the Ministry of Education, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, has yet to develop a concrete policy to put this law into practice. While the Ministry has refrained from implementing the common uniform policy, it issued a directive cautioning school principals against inflating uniform expenses.
Principals Defy Ministry Directive on School Uniform
In a circular addressed to all school heads, the government emphasized the importance of guiding parents on where to purchase school uniforms. Moreover, the Ministry cautioned school administrators against imposing specific prices for uniforms, asserting that parents have the right to seek affordable options.
Also Read:Â Ministry of Education Issue Its Position On Same School Uniforms
Unfortunately, school principals have seized the opportunity presented by the ongoing disagreement between these two governmental entities to continue charging excessive amounts for uniforms.
In June 2023, Kahi Indimuli, the chairperson of the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha), pledged that school principals would persist in determining uniform prices, reassuring the nation that schools do not aim to exploit the situation for profit.
He clarified that institutions typically advertise the supply of uniform items and engage in competitive bidding processes.
In response, Gathoni Wamuchomba noted that parents were potentially being taken advantage of by schools, as they might not be aware of the circular or able to assert their rights effectively. Additionally, there were reports suggesting that certain uniform associations were considering legal action to prevent the Ministry from implementing the circular.
This ongoing issue highlights the complexity of balancing the interests of educational institutions, parents, and the government in regulating school fees and expenses.
