As schools reopen across the country, parents and students in Meru County are grappling with rising expenses that are stretching their finances even further. The most significant challenge has been the steep increase in transportation costs, which has become a major burden for many families. According to Paul Mutuku, a concerned parent, the cost of transportation has surged, forcing parents to adjust their budgets in order to meet these new demands.
In addition to transportation woes, parents are also facing the added challenge of purchasing school supplies for their children. Bookshops in Meru town have been bustling with activity as parents rush to meet the requirements of the Competency-based Curriculum (CBC), which mandates the purchase of a long list of books, tools, and other resources. This is in stark contrast to the previous 8-4-4 system, which had fewer supply requirements. The sharp increase in prices for these items has left many parents worried about their ability to afford these essential educational tools.
Uniform shops in Meru, however, are experiencing a slower flow of customers compared to previous years. The high cost of living has caused many families to reconsider their spending on uniforms, with some opting to reuse old ones or delay purchases altogether.
In light of these challenges, parents are urging the government to step in and offer subsidies or provide learning materials to reduce their financial burden. Many are hoping that such interventions will help ensure that education remains accessible despite the rising costs.
On a related note, Meru County Deputy Governor, Isaac Mutuma, has raised concerns about the safety of students commuting to school. He called on the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and Traffic Police to monitor public service vehicles during this back-to-school season, as many matatu operators rush to make more money without considering passenger safety. Mutuma emphasized the need for stricter regulations to prevent road accidents, which could result in the loss of young lives.
As the new school term begins, it is clear that both parents and authorities need to collaborate to address these escalating costs and ensure the safety and well-being of students.
