Parents, learners step up for new school term

Kenya: It was a busy day for parents and their children yesterday as they thronged shops to buy books and uniforms ahead of  schools opening tomorrow despite uncertainty over the teachers' strike.

In Nairobi, thousands of parents flooded books, uniform and shoe shops. “I am not worried because my children are in private school. I am hopeful that the strike will not affect their opening dates,” said David Kamau, whose two daughters attend an academy in Nakuru.

Jacque Basiye, a member of the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) at Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, Nairobi, said the school programme should run as usual from tomorrow.

“The battle between teachers and the Government should not affect students. Let teachers fight for their rights but our children should be allowed to report to school on Monday,” she said.

Millicent Njeri said she had travelled from Kiambu to shop for her secondary school daughter ahead of school opening tomorrow.

Peter Okello, a parent, complained that prices of school uniforms and books had been hiked.

“I have spent over Sh7,000 to buy books for my child. I was expecting to spend about Sh5,000 as I always do,” he said. Text Book Centre Manager Suresh Kumar said the prices for books and stationery have gone up due to increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

“Since the increase of VAT in July last year and the high cost of raw material, the cost of books has to increase,” said Mr Kumar.