Schools reopening in January, commonly known as Njaanuary, is a stressful period for many Kenyan parents.

With fees due, uniforms to buy, and daily expenses piling up, choosing the right school becomes both a financial and emotional decision.

Under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system, learning needs differ by grade, making it even more important for parents to choose carefully and within their means.

Start with your child’s grade

School choice should begin with your child’s current level.

For kindergarten and early years, the focus should be on safety, nurturing, play-based learning, and teacher attention.

These grades do not require expensive facilities or long travel distances.

For lower primary, parents should look for strong literacy and numeracy foundations aligned to CBE learning outcomes.

For junior secondary, subject exposure, availability of learning materials, and trained teachers under CBE are critical.

For senior secondary, career guidance, subject combinations, and academic track records matter more than school popularity.

Understand the full fee structure

During Njaanuary, many parents focus only on tuition fees. This is a costly mistake.

A proper fee structure includes learning materials, assessments under CBE, uniforms, transport, meals, activity charges, and examination costs.

Parents should request a clear term-by-term breakdown and calculate the total annual cost. A school that looks affordable in January may become expensive by mid-year.

Match the school to your pocket

January pressure pushes families to overstretch financially. Choosing a school beyond your means leads to fee arrears, embarrassment, and constant stress for the child.

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Parents should be honest about what they can afford comfortably for the entire year.

A stable learning environment is better than a prestigious school that creates financial strain.

Consider CBE requirements

The Competency-Based Education system requires learning materials, projects and regular assessments.

Parents should ask how these costs are handled and whether they are included in fees or charged separately.

Schools that clearly explain CBE related expenses help parents plan better and avoid surprise charges later.

Check class size and teacher availability

Large classes reduce teacher attention, especially in early grades and junior secondary.

Parents should ask how many learners are in each class and whether teachers are trained to handle CBE assessments.

Quality teaching has a greater impact on learning than expensive buildings.

Distance and daily costs matter

Choosing a school far from home increases transport costs and daily fatigue for learners.

In January, transport prices often rise. Parents should factor in daily travel costs and time spent on the road when making decisions.

Avoid rushing due to January pressure

Schools reopening creates panic, but rushed decisions often lead to regret. Parents should compare options, ask questions and take time to think.

A few days of careful consideration can prevent years of financial and academic challenges.

Think beyond academics

A good school supports a child’s emotional and social development.

Parents should ask how learners are supported during transitions, especially for junior secondary students adjusting to new learning demands under CBE.