A Form Four student at St. Albertina Kiongwani Girls High School has been readmitted after a controversial suspension sparked outrage in the community.
The student had been suspended earlier this week after she was allegedly found with chewing gum and was ordered to purchase gum worth Ksh 16,800 as punishment — a demand her mother, Virginia Maweu, could not afford. The case quickly drew the attention of local leaders and education officials, who stepped in to resolve the matter.
On Thursday, education officials from Makueni County and Mukaa Sub-County convened a lengthy meeting with the school’s Board of Management, the principal, and the student’s mother. After deliberations, it was agreed that the suspension be lifted and the girl allowed to resume her studies unconditionally.
The decision has been welcomed by parents and stakeholders who argued that the punishment was extreme and risked disrupting the girl’s education during a critical academic year. Local leaders have also urged schools to handle disciplinary cases more fairly, ensuring that corrective measures do not infringe on students’ right to education.
The student is now back in class as she prepares for her final exams, while education officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure a supportive learning environment.
