Nairobi Police Officer Bemoans Costly School Expenses As Daughter Joins Form One: "Spent KSh 120k"

• Police officer Sammy Ondimu Ngare lamented the high cost of school expenses as his bright daughter joined Form One
• The doting father noted he spent close to KSh 120,000 on his daughter's school fees and shopping as she began her secondary journey
• Many social media users also shared their thoughts on the same, as they said their high cost of living was making their lives tough

Parents are having headaches as they take their kids back to school during the harsh economic times.

The Kenyan Shilling crossed the 160 mark against the US dollar, showing that all was not well with the economy.

Parents are feeling the pinch as they struggle to purchase school items for their children who are joining secondary school for the first time or resuming their educational journey.

Is shopping for Form One tedious?

One parent from Nairobi took to social media to express his brokenness as he took his lovely daughter to school.

Police officer Sammy Ondimu Ngare shared the shopping list for his daughter as he lamented the school expenses.

"My fellow parents, how is the Form One shopping taking you? I have gone to number eight to finish. I wish you all the best, fellow parents," he penned in his caption.

He posted the list of items he would buy for his daughter, noting that getting them all was tedious and strenuous.

Why are children stranded at home?

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the philanthropist attested that life was expensive, and many parents were scratching their heads as they looked at their accounts.

"I have used KSh 120,000 already on school fees and buying the school items. I can imagine how many parents are also struggling. This is not to say I can do it, but it is a sacrifice. There could be children stranded at home because of a lack of school fees or a lack of parents to meet the school requirements," he noted.

Helping struggling parents get funds for school fees

Ngare said it pained him to see parents working hard to take their kids to school and having to sacrifice much more.

He noted that taking a child to Form One was a massive challenge, and that was why many appealed for help from well-wishers to come to their aid.

"Some of my friends have shown interest in helping struggling parents get funds or school items for their children. They help to raise money for the parents or gift them to alleviate the burden they have of buying necessary items required by the school. They have helped many by their acts of kindness," he said.

Dandora Primary School teacher Mungai Karenge noted a different experience as kids returned to school.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the teacher said the turn out in the first three days in the school was exceptional.

"A good percentage of kids resumed to school, better than the previous years. They looked vibrant and ready to learn. There were no complaints from parents," he said

Social media reactions

Social media users contributed to his post in the comment section as they updated their statuses.

Jessica Ngumbau:

"I remember that shopping last year. Wah, God is good."

Truphena Kerubo

"You are among the best dads in the world.

You remind me of my daughter's admission to Form One, thanks to my brother Ben who acted as dad and accompanied us to shopping. Kenya High School, bye."

Mamake Kyle:

"Being a parent is hard work. May God open the doors for all those who do not have the ability to get their children to form one, and may he send them angels to save them and glory and praise return to you forever."

Nancy N. Kogi:

"For those we are yet to reach there, let us start saving seriously this year so that when that time comes, we will not be dry but God above all."

Blessed Michelle Ndambuki:

"Being a parent is a calling. I did this on December 26, it is not easy. All the best, my fellow parents."

Hilly Shanzu:

"I'm done. It's just a fee to put in the account but let me tell you, it's not easy. I wish all my fellow parents the best we will make it ❤️."

Muhiko Nebster's daughter resumes school

In another story, a girl who lost her dad days to the 2023 KCPE joined Form One through well-wishers' help.

She sat for her final primary education exam, grieving the death of her father, Muhiko Nebster, who died days before the exam.

Well-wishers such as Karangu Muraya came through for the girl as they helped her continue with her education journey.

"During the burial of Muhiko Nebster, my senior brother Muigai wa Njoroge, OGW, and I promised to make sure that this beautiful girl would join high school and by the grace of God, today we made it happen. May Jehovah be with you, girl. We wish you success in your studies," Kikuyu singer Karangu said.