How principals have turned school uniforms into a cash cow

Millicent Awinja makes school uniforms at Uhuru market Nairobi on January 13, 2026. Many parents are forced to buy school uniforms at respective schools during admissions which is a bit expensive as opposed to buying them directly from the shops. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

For thousands of parents, enrolling a child in Grade 10 has turned into a harrowing financial ordeal.

This has been marked by hidden charges, inflated uniform costs, and last-minute demands that go far beyond officially approved school fees.