As schools begin first term, parents in Kwale County are calling on the government to honour its promise of free education, citing the high cost of living and skyrocketing school-related expenses as a significant burden.
Parents expressed deep concern about their inability to meet the financial demands of educating their children, saying the government’s pledge of free education remains far from reality.
Despite some receiving bursary support from the county government, they said the overall cost of education continues to rise, leaving many families stranded.
Shafi Khamis, a father of a Form Two student at Kenyatta High School, is one of many parents feeling overwhelmed by the current economic situation.
“Even with bursary support from the county government, the situation is still worrying. Many of us are unsure how we will manage,” he said.
Khamis lamented that transport costs, pocket money, and additional school requirements have made education unaffordable, especially as the cost of living continues to escalate.
“The government assured us of free education, but the reality on the ground is very different. The cost of schooling is increasing daily, and many parents will struggle to afford their children’s education,” he added.
Financial constraints
The 58-year-old called on the government to take immediate action to make education genuinely free, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints.
He warned that without timely intervention, the growing financial burden could lead to long-term consequences, including increased school dropout rates and a generation denied access to quality education.
Ali Najid, a father of a Form Three student, also highlighted the challenges of balancing educational expenses with household needs.
“The reopening has caught me off guard, and I don’t have any money,” said Najid, who has accumulated huge school fee arrears.
He attributed his financial struggles to the harsh economic conditions, which have made it nearly impossible for him to pay school fees or purchase essential learning materials such as textbooks and uniforms.
“Textbooks, uniforms, and other learning materials are very expensive. My child may not have all the required items for the term, and I’m worried about how I will cope with the remaining fees,” said Najid.
He noted that rising poverty rates in the region mean more families are struggling to put food on the table.
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Najid said even those who manage to send their children back to school may find it difficult to ensure they have proper meals, affecting their ability to focus on learning.
Single mother Biasha Omar emphasized the financial toll of the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which she described as unaffordable for many parents.
“As a single mother, I’m struggling to raise school fees. Up to this moment, I don’t know how my daughter will travel to school. I pray to God for things to open up,” said Omar.
She asked the government to make education completely free, noting that the CBC’s requirements for materials and additional costs have placed an even greater strain on parents.
Omar said she is worried that education is becoming a privilege rather than a fundamental right.
She said the government must ensure that learning is accessible to all children, regardless of their families’ financial situation.
Omar warned that continued inaction could have dire consequences for education and development across the country.
By Shaban Omar
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