Principals oppose single uniform design, cite risks to school culture and identity
KESSHA chairman Willie Kuria emphasised that uniforms are more than just clothing, noting that they create a sense of pride and belonging among learners.
Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association National Chairperson Willy Kuria. (Photo: File/Ministry of Education)
School heads have rejected plans to introduce standardised uniforms in public schools, arguing that unique uniforms preserve school identity, discipline and heritage.
Speaking during the 49th KCB/KESSHA Annual Conference in Mombasa, Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) chairman Willie Kuria said schools should be allowed to retain their distinct uniforms as they represent their culture, traditions and identity.
He emphasised that uniforms are more than just clothing, noting that they create a sense of pride and belonging among learners, parents and former students.
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“We believe each school should retain its identity, culture and heritage as reflected in its uniform,” Kuria said.
The principals said they support efforts to make uniforms affordable but opposed replacing different school designs with a single national uniform.
They argued that unique uniforms help in identifying students, promoting discipline and ensuring accountability within institutions. KESSHA also warned that having one standard design would make it difficult to identify learners involved in misconduct.
Kuria said diversity in school uniforms also strengthens the branding of individual institutions. He said the average cost of uniforms is Sh9,562 for boys and Sh10,182 for girls, adding that uniforms are often wrongly described as expensive.
He noted that the cost covers items such as shirts, skirts or trousers, sweaters, socks and game kits.
The association also raised concerns over the suitability of a single uniform design in different parts of the country, saying Kenya experiences varied climatic conditions.
The principals said learners in colder regions require heavier fabrics compared to those in warmer areas, making one national design unsuitable for all schools.
They urged the government to focus on reducing uniform costs while allowing schools to maintain their identity.
“Rather than a national dress code, we support efforts to make uniforms affordable while retaining identity,” the association said.
The debate follows government plans to standardise uniforms in schools while allowing institutions to maintain their identity through badges.
President William Ruto had raised concerns over the high cost of uniforms during the transition of 1.1 million Grade 10 learners, who were allowed to continue using their Junior School uniforms.
Education stakeholders remain divided over the proposal, with principals maintaining that school identity and discipline should remain key considerations.
To address the cost concerns, KESSHA proposed a cost-sharing model involving the government, parents and suppliers to reduce the financial burden without changing school uniform designs.
The association said learner comfort affects concentration, well-being and learning outcomes, warning that uniform changes could disadvantage students in areas with extreme weather conditions.
The government is expected to continue engaging stakeholders before making a final decision on the proposal.