Education Ministry Plans One Standard School Uniform for All Learners in Kenya
2 min read
The Ministry of Education has proposed the introduction of standard school uniforms for learners in all basic education institutions across the country.
The proposal was discussed during the National Conference on Education held between May 7 and May 9, where education stakeholders agreed that schools should adopt a common uniform design to help promote equality and reduce costs for parents.
If the proposal is approved, learners in Comprehensive Schools and Senior Schools under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system will wear similar uniforms. However, schools will still keep their identity by using different badges on the uniforms.
According to the conference resolutions, the government believes the move will help make school uniforms affordable for many families while also promoting unity among learners.
The stakeholders also proposed that the prices of school uniforms should be controlled to reduce the financial burden facing parents and guardians.
The Ministry of Education noted that many parents have been struggling with the high cost of school uniforms in different schools across the country.
However, some education experts have questioned whether introducing standard uniforms will fully solve the problem. They argue that the main issue is the high pricing by some suppliers and schools that force parents to buy uniforms from specific shops at high prices.
Education expert Boaz Waruku said the government should focus more on regulating prices and stopping unfair business deals between schools and suppliers.
He explained that some institutions work closely with selected uniform sellers, leading to inflated prices that make uniforms too expensive for ordinary parents.
At the same time, Members of Parliament recently proposed new regulations aimed at stopping schools from forcing parents to buy uniforms from certain suppliers.
The proposal seeks to allow parents to purchase uniforms from any shop of their choice as long as the clothes meet the school’s approved standards.
The changes are expected to support the constitutional right of every child to access free and compulsory basic education in Kenya.
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