Parents Grapple With High Costs as Schools Reopen for Second Term
As schools across Kenya prepare to reopen for the second term, parents are feeling the weight of surging costs for textbooks, uniforms, and school supplies. Unlike previous years, the usual hustle and bustle at bus stations and bookshops was noticeably subdued this past weekend.
In Nairobi, only a handful of parents and students were spotted making last-minute purchases. Many parents said they had opted to travel early to avoid the expected Monday traffic congestion.
“I decided they leave on Sunday because on Monday there’s always heavy traffic and too many children,” said Faith Kimanzi, a concerned parent.
However, early travel was not the only adjustment. Parents cited high inflation and poor timing of the school calendar as major challenges. With schools reopening before the end of the month, many workers had not yet received their salaries, leaving families financially stretched.
“The cost of living has gone up — what we used to buy for 100 shillings now goes for 200,” lamented Jonstone Muyelele. “And if you have more than one child, it becomes even tougher.”
The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has introduced new expenses as well, with some parents struggling to afford books, laptops, and other learning materials required under the new system.
“From books to laptops required by the CBC curriculum, the prices are high,” added Kimanzi. “As a parent, you just have to gather strength and push through.”
Even vendors are feeling the pinch. Sellers of school uniforms and supplies reported a sharp drop in sales compared to previous years.
“Today I haven’t made a single sale,” said Mercy Musumba, a uniform seller. “On a day like this, we’d usually have sold to over 100 customers. The government needs to fix the economy.”
Education stakeholders are warning that the muted shopping activity reflects a deeper economic strain affecting families nationwide. They are calling for urgent measures to cushion parents and ensure all students are adequately prepared for the new term.
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Parents Grapple With High Costs as Schools Reopen for Second Term