Elgeyo Marakwet Director of Education orders school to re-admit pregnant girls

Moi Kapsowar Girls School has been ordered to re-admit three pregnant Form Four students.

The three students and seven others in lower classes, were expelled after they were found to be pregnant. They were not allowed to register for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education(KCSE) examination.

Elgeyo Marakwet County Director of Education Sabina Aroni directed Principal Dinah Cheruiyot to immediately liaise with the Kenya National Examination Council and ensure the three girls are registered for the examinations.

“It is unfortunate the students were expelled on the basis of being pregnant. That does not mean they are unable to write exams,” said the education officer.

It is alleged the students were expelled because “they would pull the school mean grade down if they continued with schooling while pregnant”.

“We have also directed the principal, together with the deputy county commissioner for Marakwet West sub-county, to trace the whereabouts of other seven students who are not candidates and they be re-admitted unconditionally,” said Mrs Aroni.

She commended The Standard team for highlighting the issue.

“We were kept in the dark by the school administration and even the parents never came to us. It is our responsibility to ensure all children continue with their education,” she said.

Aroni said the expulsions contravene the Education Act.