The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has strongly condemned the growing trend of using school uniforms as costumes in adult entertainment venues, warning that the practice is socially unacceptable, unlawful, and harmful to children.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 18, 2025, the legislators criticized the practice for undermining the symbolic value of school uniforms, which represent innocence, discipline, and learning.

KEWOPA said reducing the attire to adult fantasy or profit “grossly distorts its true meaning and carries deeply troubling implications for our society.”

The association argued that the use of school uniforms in clubs and bars risks normalizing the sexualization of children while also encouraging underage drinking.

Citing Section 46 of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2010), the Children Act (2022), and the NACADA Alcoholic Drinks Control (Promotions) Guidelines, KEWOPA said the law is clear that alcohol promotions must not associate with minors or use school-related imagery.

The lawmakers called on key regulatory bodies, including the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), and the Ministry of Interior, to investigate the issue and take decisive action against establishments involved.

They also urged club owners to issue public apologies and immediately stop such exploitative promotions.

“School uniforms belong exclusively to children and should remain as such. They must never be reduced to an object of adult fantasy,” KEWOPA stressed in its statement.

The association further asked local authorities to step up surveillance on entertainment venues and revoke licenses for operators who continue flouting the law.

They insisted that protecting children’s identities and dignity is a collective responsibility that requires vigilance from both government and society.

The condemnation comes after a viral video from a Nakuru club showed workers dressed in school uniforms to promote alcohol, sparking public outrage online. Many Kenyans argued that the practice trivializes education and risks desensitizing the public to the exploitation of minors.

KEWOPA said the incident highlights an urgent need for stricter regulation in the entertainment industry. “We must build a society where children are protected, respected, and nurtured not exploited for profit,” the lawmakers concluded.