Sharon is now set to join Ongalo Secondary School in Kisumu West

Sharon Akinyi and her grandmother Nereah Awinda, 85, leave the office of the Ministry of Education, Kisumu West Sub County on Monday January 15, 2018. Akinyi had been denied admission in Form One for keeping long hair. PHOTO Y KEVINE OMOLLO/STANDARD

The girl who was denied Form One admission at a school in Kisumu after she refused to shave her hair has finally been accepted at a neighbouring school.

Sharon Akinyi, 17, is now set to join Ongalo Secondary School in Kisumu West, after being locked out of St Mark Obambo Secondary School.

County Director of Education Sabina Aroni, who intervened, yesterday confirmed the change of school, saying the move was made after the student’s guardian made a formal request, fearing that the girl would be victimised at the former school.

“We spoke with the guardian and now they are free to take the girl to the alternative school as soon as possible,” said Aroni.

DAY SCHOLAR

A letter signed by Kisumu West Sub-County Director of Education Albert Lang’at on January 15, and seen by The Standard directed Ongalo School principal to admit the girl.

“This is to request you to admit the student to your school as a day scholar. This should be done immediately,” read the letter in part.

The letter follows Akinyi’s visit to the office, accompanied by her grandmother Nereah Awinda, 85, to seek the officer’s intervention.

Akinyi was turned away from Obambo School on January 9, after she declined to shave her hair, citing her faith. She said her church is against females shaving their hair.