KCSE CANDIDATE SUSPENDED OVER CHEWING GUM, ORDERED TO PAY KSH 16800.

A Form Four student at St. Albertina–Kiongwani Girls High School in Makueni County has been suspended after being found with chewing gum in her bag, sparking outrage over the school’s disciplinary action.
The 15-year-old girl was discovered with the gum after returning from midterm break. School administrators ordered her to buy enough chewing gum for all 580 students — amounting to KSh16,800 — before she could be allowed back to class.
The punishment has already caused her to miss key examinations, putting her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) prospects at risk.
Makueni County Education Director Rashid Ali confirmed that his office has received a complaint and is investigating the matter. He noted that such disciplinary measures could conflict with the Basic Education Act, 2013, which guarantees every child’s right to education.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism from parents and education stakeholders, who have described the penalty as excessive and unjust.