The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has expressed outrage after a video emerged showing employees at a Nakuru nightclub dancing in primary school uniforms. KEWOPA denounced the footage as both distasteful and unlawful, citing it as a violation of several legal provisions:
- Section 46 of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2010)
- The Children Act (2022)
- NACADA’s Alcoholic Drinks Control (Promotions) Guidelines
According to KEWOPA, the use of school-themed imagery alongside alcohol promotions promotes underage drinking and risks normalizing the sexualization of minors.
KEWOPA has urged relevant authorities—including NACADA, the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB), and the Ministry of Interior—to act swiftly. They called for the club’s proprietors to issue a public apology and commit to ending such exploitative practices. Further, KEWOPA emphasized the importance of protecting children’s dignity, encouraging the revocation of licenses for establishments that continue these harmful trends.
While the MPs acknowledged that costumes referencing childhood, such as during alumni events, can be symbolic, they drew a firm line against misuse. They warned that such symbolism “must never be misappropriated in ways that risk normalizing child exploitation, risk children’s safety or inadvertently promote child grooming,” especially given Kenya’s troubling levels of child defilement.
The group also called on teachers, community leaders, and parents to remain vigilant and speak out against any actions that compromise children’s well-being. They stressed that what might seem like harmless fun can actually defraud society into accepting the sexualization of minors.
In response to the public backlash, the Nakuru club apologized, explaining that the uniforms were meant to feature in its themed nights, where staff dress up representing various professions and careers. Critics, however, pointed out that primary school attire doesn’t align with that theme. The club stated it was “sorry for any negative misinterpretation” and reiterated its commitment to “upholding high standards of professionalism, creativity, and community connection.”
