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Booksellers in Kisii County have complained about the shortage of books and, even when available, high prices. They say it is affecting parents and guardians preparing to take their children to schools on Monday.

According to the chair of the association, Simeon Nyakundi, books for Grade 7, 8 and 9 are out of stock. This, he noted, is forcing parents to waste money and time flocking bookshops and hawker stands.

He appealed to the publishers to avail the books required for the new education system, stressing that demand and learners need them ahead of the schools’ reopening.

The official urged the publishers to reduce the prices and ease the suffering of parents.

“The high prices are affecting booksellers and buyers. I urge the publishers to reduce the prices so that parents can afford to buy the books for their children.

Nyakundi, who hawks books implored parents and guardians to be patient, adding the booksellers have placed orders and the books are expected next week.

He observed the phasing out of Form One to pave way for Grade 9 had affected booksellers.

“The changing of the system of education caught us off-guard. We have a dead stock and nowhere to take it” Nyakundi told the People Daily in Kisii town yesterday.

The chairman noted some parents and guardians were borrowing books from relatives and friends, stressing it had affected booksellers who sold few books for a long time.

“Not all parents and guardians are buying books. Those with children in form two, three and four are borrowing books from their relatives and friends.” Nyakundi said.

A spot check by the People Daily showed that parents had flocked the streets to buy books, uniforms and other items for their children set to join Grade 9.