Kenyan MPs have tabled a motion to eliminate schools' requirements for parents to buy uniforms from specific vendors and impose extra fees. Sponsored by Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge, it aims to uphold children's right to free basic education. If passed, it would ease financial pressures on parents.
Members of Parliament in Kenya's National Assembly have debated a motion tabled by Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge to regulate school practices on uniforms and extra charges. The motion invokes Articles 53 and 43 of the Constitution, which mandate equitable access to education and prioritize children's best interests.
Key proposals include allowing parents to buy uniforms from any vendor meeting school standards and prohibiting sending pupils home for non-statutory fees such as school feeding, remedial classes, and sports. Mathenge stated, "Certain administrative practices in schools, particularly compulsory sourcing of uniforms from designated outlets, are impeding students from learning."
Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara argued, “The education sector is collapsing. The Ministry of Education is not acting, and parents are suffering economically." Funyula MP Gideon Ochanda criticized inconsistent school policies, saying, "Each school is busy doing its own thing, and as they do so, those who are suffering are the children. Students are being sent home over such matters as food, sports and other matters.”
The motion directs the Education Cabinet Secretary, in consultation with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), to develop a regulatory and enforcement framework within 90 days.