As schools across the country reopen, parents and students in Meru County are grappling with an array of challenges, from soaring transportation costs to the steep prices of school supplies and uniforms.
The financial strain is particularly pronounced as families adjust to the demands of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which requires a broader range of materials compared to the traditional 8-4-4 system.
Rising Transportation Costs Add Pressure
The cost of transportation has significantly increased, placing an additional burden on parents already struggling to manage their budgets.
Mr. Paul Mutuku, a parent in Meru, highlighted the difficulties posed by fare hikes, noting that families are forced to dig deeper into their pockets to ensure their children get to school safely.
Public service vehicle operators in the region have reportedly raised fares during the back-to-school period, citing increased fuel prices and operational expenses.
However, many parents believe these hikes are opportunistic, taking advantage of the peak demand during school reopening.
CBC Requirements Stretch Family Budgets
Bookstores in Meru town have been packed with parents scrambling to purchase the long list of textbooks, tools, and other learning materials mandated by the CBC.
Unlike the 8-4-4 system, the CBC emphasizes practical learning, requiring students to have access to more resources, which has significantly increased the financial burden on families.
“We’re spending so much more than we did with the previous system,” one parent remarked. “Every term seems to come with additional expenses.”
Uniform Sales Decline Amid Economic Strain
Uniform shops in the county have reported a notable decrease in sales compared to previous years.
Many parents are opting to reuse old uniforms or delay purchases due to the high cost of living.
The situation reflects broader economic challenges facing households, including rising food prices and stagnant incomes.
Calls for Action on Transportation Safety
Amid the challenges, concerns about transportation safety during the school reopening season have also come to the forefront.
Meru County Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma has urged the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and traffic police officers to tighten oversight of public service vehicles ferrying students.
Deputy Governor Mutuma expressed worry over the reckless behavior of some matatu operators who prioritize profits over passenger safety.
“Many matatu operators take advantage of the back-to-school season to engage in a mad rush for higher earnings, often disregarding the safety of passengers, especially students,” he said.
Mutuma called on the NTSA and law enforcement agencies to enforce strict regulations to curb road accidents and ensure students reach their schools safely.
“We are appealing to the relevant authorities to take charge of the transport sector during this critical period to prevent the loss of lives,” he emphasized.
A Call for Support
As families in Meru County navigate these challenges, there is a growing call for government intervention to ease the burden on parents.
Subsidized learning materials, tighter regulation of transport costs, and additional financial support for families are among the measures being proposed to mitigate the impact of rising expenses.
For now, parents continue to balance the demands of education with the realities of economic hardship, underscoring the urgent need for systemic solutions to support learners and their families.
