Esther Passaris has sparked a fresh national debate after proposing the removal of school uniforms in Kenya, arguing that the long-standing tradition has become a heavy burden for many struggling families.
Her remarks quickly attracted mixed reactions online, with some parents supporting the idea while others defended uniforms as an important part of school identity and discipline.
According to Passaris, school uniforms have slowly transformed from a simple requirement into an expensive system that punishes poor families.
She argued that many parents are being forced to spend thousands of shillings every year buying specific uniforms, sweaters, socks, shoes, and sportswear demanded by schools.
In some institutions, uniforms are only sold through selected suppliers at high prices, making education even more expensive.
The Nairobi Woman Representative said many children are sent home because of incomplete uniforms, torn clothes, or failure to meet strict dressing rules.
She questioned why education should depend on whether a parent can afford several sets of branded clothing. According to her, removing uniforms could reduce pressure on parents already struggling with school fees, food, rent, and transport.
Her comments immediately opened a wider conversation about the cost of education in Kenya. While free primary and subsidized secondary education were introduced to help families, many parents still complain about hidden expenses.
Uniforms remain one of the biggest costs, especially for households with several school-going children.
Supporters of Passaris’ proposal argue that children should not miss lessons because of clothing issues. Some parents say schools have become too strict on appearance instead of focusing on learning.
They believe ordinary decent clothes would still allow students to attend school comfortably without forcing parents into debt.
Others also point out that school uniforms can create inequality instead of reducing it. Although uniforms are meant to make students appear equal, wealthier families can still afford cleaner, newer, and more fashionable versions while poor children struggle with faded or damaged uniforms.
Critics say some students end up being mocked or punished because their parents cannot keep up with expensive school requirements.
However, many Kenyans strongly disagree with the proposal. They believe uniforms play an important role in discipline, order, and school identity.
Some parents say uniforms help students stay focused on education rather than fashion competition. Without uniforms, they fear schools may turn into places where children compete over expensive clothes and trends.
Teachers and education experts have also defended uniforms in the past, saying they improve security because students can easily be identified inside and outside school compounds.
Uniforms also help schools maintain standards and reduce distractions during learning.
Some Kenyans online questioned whether banning uniforms would actually lower education costs. They argued that parents may still spend money buying casual clothes regularly, which could become even more expensive over time.
Others suggested reforms instead of a total ban. For example, schools could allow cheaper uniform options, remove exclusive suppliers, or stop punishing students over minor uniform issues.
The discussion has also exposed the wider economic struggles facing many Kenyan families today. With the rising cost of living, parents are increasingly finding it difficult to meet basic needs.
Food prices, transport costs, rent, and school expenses continue to rise, leaving many households financially strained. For some families, buying uniforms for several children has become a major challenge.
Passaris’ proposal may not become policy immediately, but it has already achieved one thing: it forced the country to talk honestly about the hidden cost of education.
The debate is now bigger than uniforms alone. It is about whether the education system truly understands the realities faced by ordinary parents.
As reactions continue across the country, many Kenyans remain divided. Some see uniforms as an unnecessary financial burden, while others view them as an important part of school culture and discipline.
Whether the idea succeeds or fails, the conversation has highlighted the growing pressure many parents face simply trying to keep their children in school.
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