Forcing parents to buy textbooks from school

I am a parent in Morogoro. My child’s private school requires that all parents purchase everything, including textbooks, directly from the school. They say it ensures uniformity, but the prices are much higher than in local bookstores. When I asked if I could buy the same books elsewhere, they refused, saying my child would not be allowed to attend classes without the school-issued books. This feels unfair and exploitative. I’ve heard about competition law in Tanzania when I watched a news program on something similar. Could this practice be considered a breach of that law? What rights do parents have in such situations?

EM, Morogoro

Your concern is valid. What you described is a practice that restricts consumer choice or forces customers to buy products from a specific supplier, known as a tying practice. This occurs when the purchase of one product (school services) is conditional on the purchase of another product (textbooks) from the same supplier. Such practices can amount to abuse of market power, especially if the school is the only provider of education in your area. The Fair Competition Act, Cap. 285 [R. E. 2023] governs all matters concerning trade competition in Tanzania by restricting anti-competitive practices.

The Act also establishes the Fair Competition Commission (FCC), which has the authority to investigate and penalise institutions engaging in restrictive trade practices. Parents have the right to choose where to buy textbooks. If the school insists otherwise, you can lodge a complaint with the FCC. Schools must not exploit their position to force purchases at inflated prices. This practice undermines competition and consumer welfare. Consult your lawyer for further guidance.