Parents flock shops as schools open for second term, decry raise in fees

Parents across the country Monday flocked various book and uniform shops as they prepared their children for the opening of the second term.

Parents were also in a dilemma whether to pay additional school fees imposed by school heads in secondary schools despite Prof George Magoha, the Education Cabinet secretary, warning principals against increasing the fees.

In Nairobi, parents accompanied their children to schools. Various bookshops and bus stations were crowded by the learners.

This term, both primary and secondary schools will be busy preparing their national examination candidates for end of year exams. Prof Magoha urged schools to ensure proper syllabus coverage so that candidates are adequately prepared for the national examinations later in the year.

“This will ensure students don’t have to turn to unethical ways in a bid to pass exams,” he said. The CS also directed schools to ensure that all activities including school visits, parents meetings and prayers are concluded in second term.

“I wish to state that the tough measures meant to beat examinations cheating will be enhanced this year,” he said.

In western Kenya, parents flocked various shops in their last minute bid to buy necessities for their children as term two kicks off.

In Kisumu, parents and students continued to visit shopping centres for last minute shopping as they headed back to school. They also flocked bus stations. On Sunday, several bookshops in Kisumu town opted to open and by yesterday most of them were a bee-hhive of activity. Parents were busy buying shoes mostly at Bata shops. Most banks in the town were abuzz with activity as parents and students trooped in to pay school fees.

Mr Chris Owala, the Director of Community Initiative Action Group lobby, said parents were being charged money that is not receipted. “The worst affected are day scholars who cannot afford lunch fees. They are an easy target,” said Mr Owala. In Kisii, bus fares were yesterday doubled.

Passengers travelling from Kisii to Keroka were paying Sh100, up from Sh60, while those from Kisii to Nyamira had to part with between Sh100 to Sh 150.

In Nyeri, supermarkets, bookshops and uniform stores were packed with parents buying back-to-school items for their children.

Public primary school pupils reported to school Monday after the April holidays with most secondary schools expected to reopen starting today.

Parents had to dig deep in their pockets to pay for school fees so that their children can be allowed back in school.

Parents who spoke to the Nation said that due to the high cost of living, they were still struggling to raise school fees and ensure that their children stay in school.

Some also took the opportunity to register their children with Huduma Namba given that the deadline will lapse while boarders are in school.

In Nakuru Town a few students were spotted at matatu and bus termini yesterday. “The business went on as usual with no increase of passengers at the bus terminus,’’ said Mr Peter Kamau, a trader.

Reports by Faith Nyamai, Reginah Kinogu, Victor Otieno, Elizabeth Ojina, Benson Ayienda and John Njoroge