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Student has student has petitioned Parliament to enact legislation allowing learners to wear hairstyles of their choice, including dreadlocks, in schools across Kenya.
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The revelation was made by Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap during the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Annual National Conference in Mombasa.
A high school student has petitioned Parliament to enact legislation allowing learners to wear hairstyles of their choice, including dreadlocks, in schools across Kenya.
The revelation was made by Baringo North Member of Parliament (MP) Joseph Makilap during the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) Annual National Conference in Mombasa.
Speaking to school principals, Makilap said the student’s petition is currently before the National Assembly’s Education Committee, where he serves as a member.
“There is one petition before our committee from a student requesting Parliament to provide legislation for free hairstyles in schools, including dreadlocks and everything else,” he said.
The Baringo North legislator praised the student for taking the initiative to seek legislative action, saying the move demonstrated more courage than education stakeholders who often complain about policies but rarely petition Parliament.
“Though peculiar, I am happy with the petition because the student acted. After the 49th KESSHA conference, what decision will you bring to the Education Committee to change policy direction and funding in our schools?” he asked.
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Makilap challenged principals, teachers’ unions and education stakeholders to actively engage Parliament through petitions on issues affecting the education sector, including school funding and policy reforms.
“Take advantage; KUPPET, KNUT KUSNET and principals—and petition Parliament on issues that are critical for funding and policy direction. There is nothing that is coming from you,” he said.
The MP noted that the Education Committee oversees key institutions, including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), higher education bodies, research institutions and basic education, making it a crucial avenue for addressing challenges facing schools.
His remarks came as KESSHA Chairman Willie Mwangi renewed calls for a review of the current school fee structure.
Mwangi argued that the fees were last revised in 2015 and no longer reflect the rising cost of commodities and inflation, making it increasingly difficult for schools to operate effectively.
He urged the government to initiate discussions on adjusting school fees to help institutions cope with mounting financial pressures.
By Kithinji Njeru
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