Parents in Mombasa on Sunday thronged bookshops, uniform outlets and open-air markets as they made last-minute preparations for reopening of schools for the 2026 academic year.

A spot-check by the Kenya News Agency found hundreds of parents moving from one shop to another, clutching long lists of required items in a frantic effort to purchase textbooks, uniforms and other learning materials for their children. Most of shoppers opted for second-hand books and uniforms as a cost-saving measure.

Some parents expressed concern over sharp increase in cost of uniforms, textbooks and other school requirements, saying the sky-rocketing cost of living has stretched household budgets to the limit.

“I have come to buy textbooks for my children, but the prices have sharply increased, overstretching my budget,” Jane Muthoni, a parent shopping in the central business district, said.

Another parent, Ebrahim Khamis, said he was forced to make difficult choices due to limited finances and appealed to schools to understand the challenges parents are facing.

“The textbooks are expensive. We will buy what we can and ask teachers to understand the situation we are in. The new Competency-Based Curriculum has more requirements compared to the former education system,” he said.

Shop owners and licensed traders also reported reduced sales, noting that many parents were opting to buy cheaper, second-hand items sold in backstreets due to financial constraints. Fatma Somji, the owner of Somco Bookshop, said the current economic situation has made it difficult for parents to fully meet school requirements.

“Things are expensive, and the current education system is more demanding because learners are required to buy more practical materials. Parents are really struggling,” she noted.

The 2026 academic year is set to begin on January 5, with term one lasting 13 weeks to April 2. The term will include a five-day mid-term break from February 25 to March 1.

Meanwhile, passengers also thronged bus stations in Mombasa to book tickets to travel back to their home counties after the festive season. Many travellers complained of a sharp increase in bus-fares.

Travellers urged drivers to exercise caution, obey traffic rules and avoid speeding to ensure safe journeys during the busy travel period.

Joseph Bwire, a parent traveling to Siaya County, said families are facing multiple challenges as they dig deeper into their pockets to cater for transport fares and school-related expenses.

“Fares have doubled, and this is very frustrating for most travellers,” Bwire said.

Paul Nabiswa echoed the concerns, calling on the government to address the high cost of fuel to help reduce transport fares. He, however, lauded the National Transport and Safety Authority and the National Police Service for intensifying road safety campaigns, which he said have significantly reduced road carnage during peak travel periods.

• A Tell Media KNA by Mohamed Hassan