Schools disregarding directive on uniforms to face disciplinary action, Gov't warns

The Ministry of Education has directed all public senior schools to strictly comply with a presidential directive allowing Grade 10 learners to report to school with or without new uniforms, amid growing concerns over widespread non-compliance and exploitative practices.

In a circular dated February 2, 2026, Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok said learners should be allowed to continue wearing their former junior school uniforms until they are able to acquire uniforms from their new institutions.

The directive follows complaints from parents over restrictive uniform policies that allegedly violate provisions of the Basic Education Act and the Competition Act.

“The Ministry notes with concern that parents have expressed frustrations with school requirements and guidelines that undermine these explicit legal provisions. This has resulted in restrictive market options and exploitative pricing of school uniforms,” the circular reads in part.

Bitok directed school administrators to ensure strict enforcement of the President’s directive and full compliance with existing laws governing the supply and purchase of school uniforms.

Further, education officials at regional and county levels have been instructed to identify and take disciplinary action against non-compliant institutions, while ensuring that all schools under their jurisdiction are fully informed of the guidelines.

The Ministry noted that despite earlier guidance and correspondence, some schools have continued to enforce restrictive uniform policies, prompting renewed intervention to safeguard parents and learners from unfair practices.