Educations Stakeholders in Embu oppose push for standardised uniform

Embu,

Thursday, October 26, 2023

KNA by Samuel Waititu

Education stakeholders in Embu have expressed their opposition to the push by MPs to introduce standard uniforms for all pupils across the country.

They argued that school uniforms define the identity of a school and one cannot change it without giving much thought, saying they are a symbol of tradition and culture of each particular school.

They said school uniform was a cherished tradition that was crucial in fostering a positive learning environment, sense of identity, pride and belonging as well as discipline among learners.

Kenya Private Schools Association Embu Chapter official James Kariuki said doing away or changing school uniform will bring confusion and indiscipline as a uniform is usually associated with the culture of specific schools.

He also said that the proposal of coming up with a specific uniform for each county will not only affect the tradition of the schools but also balkanize counties into tribal conclaves.

"It will essentially divide counties into tribal groupings which is not good for education growth whose major objective is to foster national unity,” pointed out Kariuki, who is also the Director of Tenri Primary School in Embu Town.

While calling for the status quo to remain, Kariuki called on the legislators to reconsider the move and subject the proposals to public participation to get the views of stakeholders.

Principal, Millbrook International School, Selasius Njoka said it was important to strengthen and maintain the uniqueness of schools through uniform that has been there since time immemorial.

“Even as the bill comes before parliament, it is important for the Members of Parliament to think through this proposal to protect the school cultures and uniqueness gained through uniforms,” he said.

He added that is has also been a good way of monitoring and controlling aspects of discipline among learners especially during school outings and closures.

“When learners close school and start misbehaving on the way home, how will one be able to pick out the suspects by their school if all of them are in similar uniform,” he questioned.

The educationists also called on parents to protect and take good care of their children during the two-months long holiday break.

Njoka said there has been a rise in number of children at risk of dropping from school because of various issues ranging from early pregnancies, defilement and drugs abuse.

He asked parents to engage their children in various programs including mentorship that will essentially mold them into responsible adults.

“One thing we have to agree on is that child safety is very important in our society and so instead of letting the kids loiter in the streets doing nothing, take them to places where they can be with others and learn a few things,” said Millbrook Director Mercy Mugo.

Courtesy; KNA