There is a certain discussion in the education sector about the standardisation of school uniforms. Where is its provenance? In the recent past, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba introduced a bill in Parliament that focused on the standardisation of school uniforms in public schools across the country. The move envisioned adoption of similar school uniforms in every county by regulating quality, colour, pricing and uniformity.
In retrospect, the legislator argued that in case the bill succeeds, it can save parents from inveterate cheats and cartels flooding the uniform sector. She also implored the mandarins at the Ministry of Education (MoE) to swing swiftly and formulate a school uniform policy, with a special bent on standardisation and production of outfits in the country.
Apparently, this heated debate about the standardisation of school uniforms revives Dr Kilemi Mwiria’s Report, whose nub focused on eliminating unnecessary levies and limiting components of school uniforms to essential elements. The landmark report outlined that the basic components of a school uniform should include shorts, trousers, skirts, shirts, blouses, neckties, sweaters, socks and footwear.
Withal, thinkers in the aforementioned taskforce listed sunhats for learners who are abled differently, albinos. Somewhat, they eliminated blazers and other components they thought were burdening parents and guardians. Unfortunately, from the formulation hitherto, the education sector chose to dodge the implementation of the good side of the report. It was shelved.
Conversely, a critical analysis of what is happening in the education sector leaves stakeholders with a general feeling that we are good at formulation, but bad at implementation. Any level-headed Kenyan will agree with me that changes should be objective in their entirety and totality. Ideally, changes void and devoid of objectivity bring confusion. This explains some chilling challenges strangling the education sector.
Back to the proposal of Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, it is as if she believed that when we have central centres selling uniform in every county, then this will clip the wings of the inveterate cheats and cartels in the education sector. Then, when Hon. Moses Kuria was the Cabinet Secretary of Trade, he attempted to issue a directive that would block schools from selling uniforms in schools. He argued that head honchos in schools exploit parents by sky-rocketing the prices of uniforms. Whether the CS was wrong or right, of course, edicts that govern the education sector should emanate from the Ministry of Education (MoE).
ALSO READ:
School infrastructure standards every institution should implement under CBE
Again, every thinking Kenyan will only agree with the proposal of standardising school uniforms, only if indeed, their proposals have no sinister motives. We hope they are not advocating for the sale of school uniforms at some specific points so that they prepare some fertile grounds for fat cats to enrich themselves. As a scribe, I also hope that sections of our honourable members are not intending to use such bills to just peddle political popularity and influence.
Consequently, we all know that this debate about uniforms is important. More so, one, if it puts a premium on why learners should wear uniforms. Second, we should also strive to understand why every school should be given the latitude to settle on its unique uniform. In a certain book titled HR Practice – A Rear View, Dr Salome Gitoho has something to say about the uniqueness of uniforms.
Therefore, as we compel students to adhere to every aspect of school rules and regulations, we should always spare some time, and make them know that uniforms ideally spell out order, authority, discipline, respect, security, equity and responsibility. Moreover, unique uniforms point out the uniformity of thought and support. By dressing the same, people take care of themselves. They protect their brand and their type. Uniforms give them a sure sense of belonging, ownership, pride and prestige.
Therefore, you now know why having a common uniform for all the schools in the county will be a wrong move. My opinion as a scribe is that this move will make schools lose their unique identities. For we are forgetting that unique school uniforms inject a serious sense of responsibility in learners. For instance, when students in boarding schools are out of school, they are careful about their manners, demeanour and behaviour because they know that the people who know the school are watching closely.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng’ rolls out talks and training services. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
