As schools reopen for the 2026 academic year, parents in Nyeri County have expressed concern over the rising cost of education.
They said the back-to-school season has become increasingly unaffordable for many households.
Parents who spoke to KNA said the situation has been worsened by the high cost of living and reduced household incomes, making it difficult to meet school-related expenses.
Margaret Wairimu, a hawker at Nyeri Main Stage and a mother of three children transitioning to Form Four, Grade Ten, and Grade One, said she is overwhelmed by the financial demands.
“I am expected to pay rent, settle school fees, and still put food on the table. December business was very low, so we did not make the profits we anticipated. I am yet to figure out how I will raise school fees for my three children who are at critical stages of their education,” Wairimu said.
Another parent, Fridah Mukethi, cited the high cost of textbooks and school uniforms as a major burden. Mukethi, whose daughter is joining Grade Seven, suggested that learners from Grade One to Grade Nine should be allowed to retain the same school uniforms until they transition to Grade Ten.
“If possible, learners should be allowed to continue using their old uniforms since they are still in the same school. This would save parents from the burden of buying new uniforms every year,” she said.
Parents also called on the government to ensure timely release of school capitation funds to cushion schools and reduce the pressure on families.
They further urged the consolidation of all education-related financial support, including bursaries and scholarships, into a single, transparent funding mechanism.
“There are many bursaries – county, ward, and parliamentary – but the process is often unclear, leaving many needy children unsupported. If these funds were consolidated and allocated equitably, learners would not be sent home for lack of fees,” said Nderi Mukundi, another parent.
Mukundi also appealed to the government to make basic education fully free and increase funding for higher education.
“If the government truly wants to transform this country, education must be affordable. We should go back to free basic education, and even universities should be accessible to all,” he added.
In Nyeri town, uniform labelling businesses were busy ahead of school reopening, charging about Sh5 per letter embossed on school uniforms, an additional cost parents say further strains their limited resources.
As the academic year begins, parents hope for policy interventions that will ease the financial burden and ensure all children access education without disruption.
By Wangari Mwangi and Samuel Maina
