A 15-year-old Form Four candidate at St. Albertina Kiongwani Girls High School in Sultan Hamud, Makueni County, is at risk of missing her KCSE national examinations after being suspended for chewing gum.
Suspension Over Chewing Gum
The candidate was reportedly found in possession of three packets of chewing gum towards the end of last term. The school administration responded by suspending her and imposing an unusual condition for her return: to buy three packets of gum for every student in the school.
Based on retail prices, the demand translates to an estimated KSh16,800, a cost her family cannot afford.
Barred From Exams
The girl’s mother revealed that her daughter was not allowed to sit for the end-of-term two examinations, as the administration declined to readmit her after suspension.
“I am deeply worried my child may miss her KCSE exams,” the mother lamented.
School Declines to Comment
Attempts by journalists to get a response from the school administration were unsuccessful, as Principal Jackline Kyalo declined to comment on the matter.
The suspension has sparked outrage online, with many questioning the fairness of the punishment and calling on the Ministry of Education to intervene.
