School uniforms that are unique to individual schools could become a thing of the past if proposals by education stakeholders to standardise school attire and price caps are adopted.

If the proposal is adopted, schools would be allowed to retain their identity through specific badges even as stakeholders push for a harmonised approach to school uniforms.

The proposals are contained in a document that lists the resolutions of the recent National Conference on Education, which brought together stakeholders in the education sector, including officials from the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), teacher unions, university and TVET educators, development partners and religious leaders.

“The conference resolved that the country should adopt standardized school uniforms across all levels of education, including comprehensive and senior schools, to promote uniformity, equity, and affordability. Schools shall, however, be permitted to maintain a distinct identity through specific uniform badges. Further, the conference resolved that the cost of school uniforms should be regulated and capped to reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians,” read the resolutions.

Ms Carol Mathangani helps her son to try on a new uniform in Nairobi on January 2, 2015 ahead of reopening of schools on January 5. Learning in public primary and secondary schools is set to resume Monday as the institutions reopen for the second term. PHOTO | BILLY MUTAI |

When he officially opened the conference, President William Ruto challenged the delegates to come up with a solution for the matter that continues to disadvantage children from poor backgrounds. He questioned the cost of school uniforms in some schools, terming it a hurdle to universal access to education.

The conference also proposed establishing comprehensive schools, bringing together primary and junior schools under a single management structure. Under the proposal, the institutions would operate under a qualified head of institution and a single board of management.

“To strengthen institutional administration and management, two deputy headteachers shall be appointed to oversee and support the management of the primary and junior school sections, respectively,” the resolutions state.

Stakeholders also called for harmonisation of school fees and capitation structures within comprehensive schools under what they termed as a unified framework to improve efficiency and institutional management.

Teacher deployment

Regarding teacher management, the conference proposes reviewing deployment policies and recommends replacing the term “delocalization” with “nationalization” for teacher placement and deployment.

Participants said teachers should be distributed equitably across the country to address staffing disparities and improve access to quality education.

The conference further proposed reforms in teacher employment, recommending the replacement of the term “teacher interns” with “teachers on contract.”

“The Conference resolved that teachers serving on contractual terms should be absorbed into Permanent and Pensionable employment upon the successful completion and expiry of their two-year contract period,” the document states.

The proposals come amid growing pressure from teacher unions demanding the confirmation of intern teachers to permanent terms, arguing that prolonged internship programmes have left many teachers underpaid and uncertain about their future.

Stakeholders also raised concerns over schools that failed to attract learners transitioning to Grade 10 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Grade 10 learners — A teacher in class during a Chemistry lesson at Langalanga Senior School in Nakuru County on February 5, 2026.

Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group

Non-viable schools, according to the resolutions, should be converted into satellite or extension schools of nearby established institutions to optimize infrastructure and educational resources.

“Schools that Did Not Attract Grade 10 Learners. The Conference resolved that the affected schools should undergo a comprehensive assessment to determine their viability and sustainability. Schools found to be non-viable should be converted into satellite or extension schools of nearby established institutions to ensure optimal utilization of educational resources and infrastructure,” read the recommendations.

In addition, the conference proposed the establishment of a consolidated national bursary and scholarship framework covering basic education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and university education.

The framework, stakeholders said, should be supported by a digital management platform under the Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to enhance transparency, accountability and equitable access to education funding.

Further, stakeholders called for enhanced collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in implementing programmes aimed at preventing drug and substance abuse among learners.

On higher education, the conference proposed increased public sensitization on the university funding model to improve transparency, accountability and public understanding among stakeholders.

The stakeholders also called for intensified awareness campaigns to encourage enrolment in TVET institutions and position technical education as a viable pathway for skills development and employment opportunities.

“Conference resolved that sensitization on the funding model should be enhanced in order to promote greater transparency, accountability, and public understanding among stakeholders,” read the resolutions.

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mesimiyu@ke.nationmedia.com