The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) has condemned schools that are forcing students to buy school supplies and selling them at prices that are above market prices. The REB said this is adding to parents’ financial burdens.
The Director-General of the REB, Dr. Mbarushimana Nelson, said that schools do not have the authority to set prices or force parents to buy supplies from the school when they can get them elsewhere at a cheaper price.
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Schools Cannot Force Parents to Buy Supplies From Them
He reiterated this in an interview with Radio 10 on July 20 (08) 2026, stressing that the Ministry of Education’s September (09) 2022 regulations clearly state the supplies that parents must buy for children studying in boarding schools.
These include school uniforms, hygiene supplies, desks, bedding and mosquito nets. He said parents have the right to buy them wherever they want or at school, but they should not be forced to do so as a rule.
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REB Gives Example of Soap Sold at Rwf2,000
REB gave the example of one school in Rwamagana, where students are required to buy a bar of soap for 2,000 Frw, when it costs 1,500 Frw at the market.
Dr. Mbarushimana said that decisions to increase the fee must be made through parent-teacher conferences, or be directed by the Ministry of Education.
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Schools to Be Reminded of Supply Rules
REB said that these instructions will be reminded to schools, while parents are also asked not to charge for non-educational activities, such as vehicles and infrastructure that are not approved.
Students to Return to School on September 7, Students are expected to start school on September 7 (09), while the final grades for primary and lower secondary school have already been released.
