Student suspended, slapped with Sh16,800 fine for possessing chewing gum

Student suspended, slapped with Sh16,800 fine for possessing chewing gum

Her mother, Virginia Mawewu, said the gum was left in the bag by accident and that her daughter immediately admitted the mistake.

A 15-year-old Form Four student from St Albertina-Kiongwani Girls High School in Makueni County may miss her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams after being suspended for possessing chewing gum.

The student, who has been out of school since the suspension, was reportedly found with the gum in her bag during a routine check as she returned from the second term midterm break.

Her mother, Virginia Mawewu, said the gum was left in the bag by accident and that her daughter immediately admitted the mistake.

According to Mawewu, school administrators are now demanding that she provide enough chewing gum for all 580 students before her daughter is allowed back. The total cost of the gum would be approximately Sh16,800.

“She has already missed two major exam sessions, including the end-of-term two and third-term opener exams,” Mawewu told NTV. “They are insisting we bring the gum before she can be allowed back.”

Makueni County Education Director Rashid Ali confirmed that his office had received a formal complaint and was investigating the situation.

With national exams just weeks away, the student now faces the challenge of catching up on missed lessons and revision time.

The suspension and restitution demands have sparked concerns about the fairness and proportionality of disciplinary measures in schools.

Reader Comments

Trending

Popular Stories This Week

Stay ahead of the news! Click ‘Yes, Thanks’ to receive breaking stories and exclusive updates directly to your device. Be the first to know what’s happening.