Machogu Push to Change all School Uniforms

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has firmly rejected the parliamentary push for universal school uniforms in Kenya. During his appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Implementation, he emphasized that it’s impractical for all students in the country to wear the same attire.

Machogu argued that diverse climatic conditions prevailing in different regions make a standardized uniform unfeasible.

He pointed out that some areas face severe cold weather, necessitating warm attire, while others demand lightweight clothing due to high temperatures.

This stance was presented as a response to claims that his ministry was hesitant to embrace the lawmakers’ proposal. The CS remains steadfast in his belief that regional adaptability in school uniforms is essential.

He further explained that different uniforms represented different traditions.

“School uniform has become some kind of tradition. Again, the climatic and weather conditions of this country vary from one place to another,” explained the CS.

“If for example, you go to a place like Timboroa where the temperatures can be so low and people require sweaters but the same may not be required in other areas like say Turkana.”

The committee had earlier advised the Ministry to develop a policy scuttling cartels from colluding with school principals to force parents to buy the garments from specific shops.

Machogu, however, maintained that he had issued a circular to all schools advising parents not to be cowed by principals’ cunning tendencies.

“A circular is not a policy… A circular is a communication of some information from the minister…you can set out a policy on standardisation and production of school uniforms in the country,” advised the committee.

The recommendation to standardise the uniform across the country was brought to the fore by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms (PWPER).

Public Service CS Moses Kuria had also, in January, advocated for the policy arguing that schools should not be allowed to sell uniforms.

“The Ministry of Education has been very categorical that our schools have no business selling uniforms, our teachers need to focus on academia and helping our children to transition to CBC and other objectives that the ministry has set,” Kuria stated in January.

A similar attempt to streamline learning saw all school buses painted yellow.