Parents facing financial challenges as schools reopen for the second term

Editor’s preview: Parents are facing financial challenges as schools get ready to reopen for the second term.

As schools nationwide prepare to welcome students back on Monday, many parents are struggling with skyrocketing textbook prices and increasing school fees. Unlike previous years, where bookshops and uniform stores were bustling with last-minute shoppers, this weekend saw significantly fewer people.

At major bus stations and bookstores in Nairobi, only a small number of parents and students were seen making their preparations, a stark contrast to the usual crowds.

Many parents opted to travel early to avoid the typical Monday traffic.

“I chose to leave on Sunday because Monday is always congested with heavy traffic and many children,” said one parent getting ready to send her kids back to school.

However, timing isn’t the only issue. This term’s reopening coincides with rising financial pressures, as parents point to the increasing costs of school supplies and a school calendar that starts before the end of the month—a time when many workers have not yet received their paychecks.

“The cost of living has increased—what used to cost 100 shillings now costs 200,” said Jonstone Muyelele, another parent. “And with so many books to buy, especially if you have multiple children, it’s challenging.”

Parents are also dealing with new requirements under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which have further increased expenses.

“From books to laptops needed for the CBC curriculum, prices are steep,” added Kimanzi. “As a parent, you just have to muster the strength and push through.”

The financial strain is affecting vendors as well. Sellers of uniforms and school supplies report a significant decline in sales compared to previous back-to-school seasons.

“Today, I haven’t made a single sale,” said Mercy Musumba, a uniform seller. “On a day like this, we would typically have sold to over 100 customers. The government needs to address the economic situation.”

Education stakeholders are now warning that the lack of shopping activity is a clear indication of the economic difficulties families are facing nationwide, and they are calling for urgent measures to alleviate the burden on parents.