Parents and guardians are facing mounting frustration and financial pressure as they prepare for schools to reopen on Monday, January 6. The start of the new term has been marred by skyrocketing costs of school items, textbook shortages, and confusion over supplies, particularly for those with children transitioning to Grade 9.
“We’re opening school on Monday, and I still haven’t found all the books my kids need,” lamented Bernard Omondi, a Grade 9 parent. “It’s a last-minute rush, but I’m doing my best.”
Booksellers pointed to delayed publishing and slow distribution as key reasons for the shortages. Kenneth Indaarah, a bookseller at Invy Bookshop Centre, explained, “Delivery delays for books in grades 1 to 4 caused challenges, and there was uncertainty about whether the new curriculum or old books would be used.”
The delays have also created confusion among schools, which have struggled to provide parents with definitive book lists. Meanwhile, textbook prices have soared, with some costing as much as Ksh. 3,500.
Despite these challenges, the Ministry of Education assured the public that distribution efforts are well underway. Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang stated, “9.9 million books have been printed, and distribution is at 85 percent. All public schools will have the books by next week.”
Adding to parents’ woes, the cost of school uniforms has also spiked, leaving families scrambling for funds after holiday expenditures.
“The high demand for uniforms is driving up prices. Retailers are taking advantage, and with the tough economy, parents are struggling,” said Morine, a parent.
Monica, a store attendant at Blackberry Uniform Centre, echoed the sentiment, noting that parents are feeling the pinch as they make final purchases.
With the economic strain mounting, many parents are urging for measures to regulate prices and streamline the distribution of essential school supplies.
