Ichung’wah Proposes Ban on Schools Selling Uniforms to Parents
Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in Kenya’s National Assembly of Kenya, has proposed a nationwide policy change on school uniforms.
He wants the government to permanently ban schools from selling uniforms directly to parents. The proposal aims to reduce the financial burden faced by many families. According to Ichung’wah, some schools charge excessively high prices for uniforms.
Consequently, many parents struggle to afford the required clothing for their children. The proposal was presented to the Ministry of Education as part of broader education reforms.
Parents Should Have Freedom to Choose Where to Buy
Ichung’wah argues that parents deserve freedom when purchasing school uniforms. Therefore, they should buy uniforms from any shop or tailor they prefer. However, the uniforms must still meet the school’s color and quality standards.
Currently, many schools require parents to purchase uniforms only from school suppliers. As a result, parents often pay prices higher than those in local markets.
Ichung’wah believes removing this restriction will increase competition. Consequently, competition could significantly lower the cost of school uniforms.
Concerns Over Exploitation in Schools
The Majority Leader has also raised concerns about exploitation within some institutions. He claims certain schools have turned uniform sales into profitable businesses.
According to him, educational institutions should focus on learning rather than trading. Furthermore, he argues that forcing parents to buy in-house uniforms is unfair.
Such practices place unnecessary financial pressure on families. Therefore, he insists new regulations are necessary to protect parents.
An image of Kimani Ichung’wa in an Alliance Highschool Uniform. Photo/ Courtesy
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Proposal for a Standard Uniform in Junior School
Ichung’wah has also suggested changes affecting junior school learners. Specifically, he proposes a uniform policy covering Grade 1 to Grade 9.
Under this plan, learners would wear the same uniform throughout those levels. This approach would eliminate the need for new uniforms during school transitions.
Consequently, parents would save money when students move to junior school. The proposal aligns with ongoing education reforms across the country.
Government Directives on Uniform Sales
Meanwhile, the government has already issued warnings regarding uniform sales. Julius Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Education, has cautioned school administrators.
He warned them against forcing parents to buy uniforms from specific suppliers. Current government guidelines state that public schools should not sell uniforms. Additionally, schools should not act as compulsory agents for particular shops.
Authorities encourage parents to report schools violating these directives. Ultimately, the proposed ban could strengthen existing policies and protect parents nationwide.
