The Ministry of Education has directed all regional and county directors of education to make sure that all heads of public senior schools are adhering to President William Ruto’s directive on admitting Grade 10 learners.
Two weeks ago, President Ruto directed all school heads to admit Grade 10 learners with or without fees or uniforms. In a subsequent circular, the Ministry ordered the schools to allow the students report in their respective junior school uniform and give them time until they are able to purchase the uniform of their new schools.
In the letter to all regional and county directors, Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Juilius Bitok asked them to also implement the legal guideline that obligates learning institutions to ensure the supply and purchase of school uniforms and other materials is subjected to a fair, competitive and open market.
School uniforms
“Specifically, the Basic Education Act discourages schools from restricting parents to purchase uniforms from the institution or exclusive stockist(s),” PS Bitok says. “The Ministry notes with concerns that parents have expressed frustrations with schools’ requirements and guidelines that undermine these explicit legal provisions.”
This trend by schools, PS Bitok notes, has resulted in restrictive market options and exploitative pricing of school uniforms.
The PS has since given the regional and county directors to make sure of three things;
- Ensure strict enforcement and compliance with the President’s directive and the applicable laws on the supply and purchase of school uniforms,
- Identify and forward the names of non-compliant institutions in your jurisdiction to this office for necessary action, and
- Share the contents of this letter with Sub-County Directors and all basic Education institutions in your jurisdiction.
