MPs Challenge Education CS Over Enforcement of School Uniform Rules

The National Assembly has put Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba on the spot over the continued enforcement of school uniform policies that critics say are locking thousands of learners out of classrooms.

Appearing before the House on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, during Question Time, Ogamba addressed concerns about the rising cost of school uniforms. The issue was highlighted in a report by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform, which found that some schools collude with specific suppliers, forcing parents to purchase expensive uniforms from designated outlets.

The CS told lawmakers that the Ministry of Education has already directed school heads not to deny students access to education بسبب lack of uniform. He added that this directive aligns with an order issued by the President on January 22, 2026.

However, Leader of the Majority Kimani Ichung’wah dismissed the response as repetitive and ineffective, noting that similar circulars have existed since May 2023.

“What the CS is telling this House is nothing new. These directives have been ignored, and the real issue is enforcement,” Ichung’wah said.

He accused school administrators of disregarding ministry guidelines, leaving parents burdened and students stranded at home for failing to meet uniform requirements. The MP demanded clear disciplinary measures against non-compliant school heads and questioned what tangible steps the Ministry is taking beyond issuing directives.

Lawmakers across the aisle echoed his concerns, describing enforcement as weak and accountability lacking.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi warned that uniforms risk becoming a barrier to education and suggested that the government consider abolishing them if the problem persists.

In contrast, Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo defended school uniforms, arguing they promote equality among learners and protect students from social stigma linked to economic disparities.

Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge recalled previous directives allowing students to report in junior school uniforms, only for schools to later reject them. He called for firm action against principals who defy ministry instructions.

Samburu Woman Representative Pauline Lenguris highlighted the financial strain on families, urging the government to regulate uniform prices. Meanwhile, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba questioned why a 2023 parliamentary resolution on the matter remains unimplemented.

Other legislators, including Martin Owino and Omboko Milemba, raised concerns about the psychological impact of strict uniform policies, describing them as punitive and counterproductive.

In response, Ogamba acknowledged the enforcement challenges, explaining that disciplinary control over teachers falls under the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), an independent body.

He revealed that the Ministry is proposing amendments to the Teachers Service Act and the Basic Education Act to strengthen oversight. The reforms, based on recommendations from the Presidential Working Party, aim to reintroduce school inspectors with authority to enforce compliance.

Ogamba also announced that new school uniform guidelines will be released before July to support the proposed legal changes.

As schools prepare to reopen next week, the CS reiterated the government’s position: no child should be sent home  due to lack of school uniform.