Student in Makueni faces potential KCSE loss due to disciplinary action for purchasing chewing gum during school hours.

A 15-year-old student from Kiongwani Girls in Makueni County is facing the possibility of missing this year's Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams due to her suspension. The incident, which occurred during the mid-term last term, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the student's right to education.

According to reports, the student was found with three packets of "P.K" breath-freshener brand chewing gum at school. This violation of school rules, as the total cost of purchasing chewing gum for all students is Sh16,800, has led to her suspension. The school administration has reportedly demanded that the parents purchase chewing gum for the entire student body, a requirement that has not been met by the student's family.

The school's principal, Jackyline Kyalo, did not respond to phone calls, and the school administration has yet to comment on the investigation. However, the Mukaa Sub-County Education Director, Rashid Ali, is investigating the matter.

The student's mother, Virginia Maweu, has made attempts to negotiate instalment payments for the fine, but the school administration has insisted on full payment. She feels the school is punishing her unfairly, as she had already cleared the school fees for her child.

The incident is not in accordance with the Basic Education Act, 2013, and the Basic Education Regulations, 2015, which emphasize the right to free and compulsory education. Rashid Ali, the Education Director, has reiterated the student's right to education, stating, "As a director, I am committed to ensuring every child in Mukaa Sub-County has access to quality education, and this includes this student."

The student's future without education is a concern for her mother. She expressed her worry about her daughter's stress and isolation due to the potential loss of education. The student has already missed the end-of-second-term examinations due to her suspension, and missing the KCSE exams could significantly impact her future academic prospects.

This case highlights the importance of upholding the right to education and the need for schools to apply rules fairly and consistently. The investigation is ongoing, and we await further updates on this developing story.

Student in Makueni faces potential KCSE loss due to disciplinary action for purchasing chewing gum during school hours.