guideline on junior secondary uniforms
(PS) Belio Kipsang issued a directive on Tuesday, January 31 for uniform sellers to ensure that uniforms are affordable for Junior Secondary School (JSS) students during the first transition to grade seven.
Speaking at an inspection visit to grade seven transition activities in Kajiado County, however, the PS stressed that the uniforms should be of high quality.
He noted that having the required uniform would help boost the student morale needed in their school activities.
Education PS. Belio Kipsang during the announcement of the 2022 KCPE results at Mitihani House on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
“We say that the uniforms should not be expensive but of good quality for every student in our JSS institutions to boost their morale,” he warned.
Furthermore, the PS urged schools not to discriminate against the JSS students on the basis of a lack of uniforms, but instead to give parents time to buy uniforms for their children.
With regard to student placement in the various JSS schools, Kipsang clarified that student performance in the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) would not be the basis for placement.
He reaffirmed his previous position that all students graduating from sixth form would earn a place in JSS regardless of their performance on KPSEA exams.
Kipsang also claimed that the government was working with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to ensure the availability of skilled teachers.
“I want to assure all UKTN that JSS students are in safe hands in all our institutions as we aim to have enough teachers per school to implement the new curriculum,” the PS noted.
His ruling on uniforms came after an earlier directive from Trade and Industry Minister Moses Kuria warned school principals against specifying vendors from whom parents should buy uniforms.
Grade seven students were due to open on Monday, January 30, amid fears of inadequate preparations at some public schools.
However, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensure a smooth transition in what would be a landmark full update of the Competency Based Curriculum (UKTN).
