Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria has announced that the government has banned schools from selling uniforms.
Speaking on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, Kuria called out schools colluding with tailors and uniform outlets to reap profits at the expense of parents. While terming the move as mentioned earlier as unacceptable and unsustainable, the CS noted that teachers should put their focus on academics and CBC (Competency Based Curriculum) transition.
“The ministry of education has been very categorical that our schools have no business selling uniforms, our teachers need to focus on academia and helping our children to transition to CBC and other objectives that the ministry has set,” he stated.
He also said that parents have the freedom to purchase uniforms wherever they want.
“The ministry has sent a circular and as a matter of fact the ministry will send another circular today that our parents have absolute freedom and discretion on where to buy uniforms,” he stated.
Further, the CS affirmed that the directive would awaken the ‘sleeping’ economy. He also expressed optimism that the uniform business would create jobs for thousands at the bottom of the pyramid and subsequently create a livelihood for them.
“I want to encourage everyone out there to get in touch with the parents, the schools. Our schools are not going to be used as colludes by those people who are used to having it very easy so that we can have the same people who are supplying school uniforms,” he added.
Further, Kuria underscored that it was better for more people at the bottom of the pyramid to earn a living from uniforms rather than two people doing the business.
Kuria’s sentiments comes amidst complaints from parents who alleged that schools have turned the uniform business into a minting venture for their own selfish interests.
They lamented that they were forced to purchase uniforms from selected stores which ended up being pricier than other uniform shops.
Consequently, the disgruntled parents called on the government to intervene and put measures to combat the issue at hand.
