Mombasa, KENYA: Mombasa second-hand book sellers are eating with a big spoon; as hundreds of parents and students are flocking their shops to buy textbooks during this school re-opening period.
Most parents have opted to go for second-hand books because of the double prices of text books witnessed in bookshops.
One parent told Baraka FM on Friday that despite the fair prices, the vendors also offer barter trade where they can exchange books their children have already used in lower/past classes.
“As long as the book is in good condition they accept it with a little fee in it which is really helpful to us”. Said Jones Makau.
One Mary, a vendor said that since she started the second hand selling business in 2013 she has made a lot of profits.
“I begun this job back in 2013 and it has really helped me because I have raised my two children and been able to put food on the table, I thank God and I hope to extend my business as time goes by.”Said Mary Njenga.
Parents have called on the government especially the Ministry of Education led by Dr Fred Matiangi to lower the cost of books during the re-opening of schools.
“If the government can intervene and do away with the bookshop owners who double the prices of the books whenever the schools reopen it can be relief to us parents because we are struggling so much with this hard life.” Said one parent, Celestine Mwaura.
