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Some parents in Kwale County have cited high living costs as a major concern ahead of schools reopening today. Harsh economic conditions, they said, had made it difficult to raise tuition fees and pay for other essential expenses for their children.

Even with bursary support from the county government, the financial burden remains overwhelming, said Shafi Khamis.

“The situation is still worrying, and many of us are unsure how we will manage,” he said.

Khamis, who has a son in Form Two, expressed his frustration, saying he did not know how to raise money for transport and upkeep. He lamented that the cost of education continues to rise, contrary to the government’s promise of free education.

“We were assured of free education, but the reality on the ground is very different,” he said.

The 58-year-old said the government should do more to ensure children have access to quality and affordable education. Without immediate government intervention, he warned, many children will be left behind, with long-term consequences.

Other parents also said they were at a loss on how to prepare for school reopening.

“The reopening has caught me off guard, and I don’t have any money,” said Ali Najid, who has a child in Form Three.

He added that was struggling to balance the cost of education with other essential household needs.

He said the government should take urgent steps to ease the financial burden on parents.

The 48-year-old said his child’s school fee arrears had accumulated significantly, and he didn’t know how to clear them.