Beehive of activities in Narok as schools re-open

Narok,

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

KNA by Ann Salaton

It was a beehive of activities in Narok town as parents utilized the last minutes to do shopping for their children who are reporting back to school, for the first term this year.

A spot check in the town showed busy streets with bookshops, supermarkets, and uniform shops, receiving a high number of customers.

Despite the congestion in town, many parents lamented the rising cost of living that made them buy the most essential commodities for their children.

Rose Abuja, a mother of twins, who are currently in form three, was among those rushing to get some items for his boys.

Ms. Abuja, who hawks snacks and porridge to earn a living, said she was forced to buy only a few sanitary commodities for her children, with the little savings she had.

“I have bought a bar soap, to be divided between the two boys and some toilet paper. That is what I can afford today and my boys understand. On school fees, I will request the school principal to allow my boys in school, as I raise the money,” she said.

George Kariuki, a parent of three school-going children said the Christmas festival had drained him of all of his little savings, making him struggle to return his children to school.

“I wish to give my children the best, but I cannot afford it. They are asking for a new pair of uniforms that I cannot afford as of now. I will get them only the essentials like exercise books and pens, as I prepare to buy them uniform,” said Kariuki, a casual worker.

On the other hand, the business community complained of making lesser sales, compared to the previous years.

Margaret Sayialel, a salesperson at Mwalimu Bookshop, said their clients have reduced as compared to previous years, where they would sell until late hours.

“Most of our customers are picking a few things that they find most essential. However, we hope to make more sales, when the form ones are reporting to school next week,” she said.

Courtesy; KNA