Top 10 School Supplies Every Kenyan Parent Should Buy in 2025

As the school calendar in Kenya gets back into full swing, the excitement, and pressure of back-to-school shopping begins. With changing curricula, growing educational demands, and rising costs, every Kenyan parent wants to ensure their child starts the academic year fully prepared without breaking the bank.

To help you shop smarter, here’s a detailed list of the top 10 school supplies every Kenyan parent should consider buying in 2025, covering both essentials and smart upgrades to support your child’s success.

1. Quality Exercise Books and Notebooks

These are the foundation of learning. Whether it’s for taking notes, solving math problems, or completing homework, quality exercise books are a must.

Tip: Buy according to the school’s specifications, lined, squared, or unruled.

2. Pens, Pencils, and Erasers

Writing tools are indispensable. While younger children mostly use pencils, upper primary and high school students need black or blue pens.

Recommendation:

• HB pencils for neat writing and sketching.
• Erasers and sharpeners (consider buying in bulk for cost savings).
• Ballpoint pens with smooth ink flow like BIC

3. Geometry Set

A geometry set is essential from upper primary school onwards, especially for subjects like Mathematics and Technical Drawing.

Must-haves:

• Compass, protractor, ruler, set squares, and a divider.

4. School Bag / Backpack

A strong and comfortable school bag is more than a luxury, it’s a necessity. It should accommodate books, a water bottle, lunch box, and sometimes a tablet or device.

Look for:

• Durable material (e.g., canvas or nylon).
• Padded straps for comfort.
• Compartments for easy organization.

5. Colored Pencils, Crayons, and Art Supplies

Creativity is now a big part of CBC (Competency-Based Curriculum). Encourage it by providing quality art supplies.

Options include:

• Wax crayons for younger children.
• Colored pencils and markers for detailed projects.
• A4 manila papers and glue sticks for crafts.

6. School Uniform and Accessories

Though technically not “stationery,” school uniforms are a significant part of school shopping. Always include:

• Shirts, skirts, trousers, sweaters, socks, and ties (if applicable).
• Don’t forget accessories like belts and hair ribbons in school colours.

Bonus Tip: Buy from recognized uniform stockists to ensure proper fitting and fabric quality.

7. Lunch Box and Water Bottle

Nutrition and hydration affect learning. Many schools require pupils to carry their meals and water.

Features to consider:

• Leak-proof containers.
• BPA-free water bottles.
• Insulated lunch bags to keep meals fresh.

8. Textbooks and Revision Materials

Each grade level has specific recommended textbooks. In 2025, CBC-aligned books are crucial for primary and junior secondary students.

Tip: Check with your school’s book list and look for KICD-approved publishers such as Longhorn, Oxford, and Storymoja.

9. Stationery Kit or Pencil Case

A compact stationery kit helps children stay organized and avoid losing items.

Typical contents:

• Pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, sharpener, small scissors.
• Optionally, a mini calculator or glue stick for older learners.

10. Face Masks & Hygiene Supplies (Optional but Still Relevant)

Although the worst of the pandemic is behind us, many schools still encourage health precautions.

Suggestions:

• A pack of washable face masks.
• Hand sanitizer or wet wipes.
• Tissues or handkerchiefs