The Ministry of Education has launched a formal investigation after two schoolgirls in Njoro, Nakuru County, were reportedly humiliated by a teacher over claims that they were not wearing undergarments.
The sisters, aged 16 and 11, attend Kenana Primary and Junior Secondary School and are said to have been paraded in the staffroom in front of over 20 teachers.
Nakuru County Director of Education Victoria Mulili said a ministry team spent most of yesterday at the school conducting a fact-finding mission.
“Once the report is ready, we will forward it for further action,” she stated, adding that multiple teachers were mentioned in connection with the incident and the investigation will identify who was directly involved. The final report will be sent to the Teachers Service Commission for possible disciplinary measures.
Ms Mulili said the girls have not returned to school since the incident. The ministry will consult with them and their parents to decide the best course of action, taking into account that mid-term transfers are generally discouraged.
“The Grade Nine student cannot be transferred since she is registered for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment, and the Grade Four student has her end-of-term school-based assessment coming up.
We fear they may drop out if not properly supported. If they feel safe and assured that they will not be stigmatised, they can remain at Kenana. The nearest alternative school is about five kilometres away,” she explained.
Njoro Sub-County Director of Education George Karangu noted that the family has not yet officially reported the matter and his efforts to reach them have been unsuccessful. The girls’ mother said her daughters have refused to go back to school out of fear and embarrassment.
She added that when she brought the issue to the deputy headteacher, she was dismissed and told the school leadership was unaware of what had happened.