March 19, 2024

Parents decry economy bite as schools re-open on January 6

Parents in one of the bookshops in Mombasa. Schools are set to re-open on Monday 6. Image; courtesy

By The Coast Newspaper Team

Parents in Mombasa County have decried a biting economy as schools reopen on Monday with preparations taking a high note.

A spot check by The Coast Newspaper shows many parents flocking in bookshops and book stores in the county despite the hike in prices of stationery.

Speaking to The Coast Newspaper in Mombasa on Tuesday, Mwangi Karanja  a parent hailing from Likoni sub county says he has spent over ksh 28,000 on school text books for his two children joining form 1 this January.

 “Here are my two children who are joining forms as schools re open this year. The expenses are too high” he said.

One of the text books centres in Mombasa county taken recently. Image; Courtesy

Shebe Abdulahi, another parent from Majengo, Mvita Sub County wants the government to regulate the pricing of text books.

According to him, the prices of the school stationery including text books has shot up to alarming levels.

“There is no money. I’m afraid very few parents will be able to afford this” Shebe said.

Learners will be taking a leap to another class, with a new content and a new syllabus with a new approach.

Some of the requirements for grade 4 pupils include among others; Kamusi, Bible, dictionary, hymn books, pens, pencils, a ruler and a geometrical set.

Mandatory personal emoluments for pupils include uniforms such as shirt, tie sweater skirt and socks.

With the government policy of 100 percent transition policy secondary schools will be opening their doors to admit form ones from January 13.

The policy entering its third year requires that all learners who sat their KCPE exam join secondary schools.

The government allocates ksh 22,244 to every student in secondary schools to cater for their essentials.

The new syllabus 2-6-6-3 will be implemented in pre-primary and grades 1 2 3 and 4.

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