Bishop Mbaga Girls bans trousers for visiting female parents
Bishop Okoth Mbaga Girls Secondary School in Siaya County has banned female parents from accessing their premises while dressed in trousers.
In a message posted on WhatsApp for Form Two parents and seen by Nairobi News on Thursday, March 21, 2024, parents intending to visit the school this coming Sunday were given strict instructions on fashion and finances.
“Good afternoon parents. I believe you are well. Our Sunday meeting will begin by 9 am-1pm. The earlier we come ,the earlier we will finish. All class meetings end at 1pm. Remember to dress decently, no trousers for female parents. Carry pocket money and fare for the girls where possible. Looking forward to seeing you. Thank you,” read the message from the school’s administration.
Bishop Mbaga becomes one of the first secondary schools to instill a dress code for those intending to access their institution. This follows a trend where several Kenyan universities have been enforcing strict dress codes and banning fashion trends they deem unfit.
Bishop Okoth Mbaga Secondary School, an institution sponsored by the Catholic Church, Kisumu Arch Diocese, is one of the top performing schools in the region. Founded in 1977, the school has a current population of 1,448 students and as a school, believe that discipline is their road to great success. This discipline, it now appears, is extended beyond its students to include their female parents.
Quite recently, Moi University banned mini skirts, crop tops, crocs, ripped jeans, skin tight trousers and low cut tops and shirts among other items. Other universities that enforced strict dressing codes at the Technical University of Mombasa, University of Eldoret, Kenya Methodist University, Strathmore University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kabarak University, Mount Kenya University, Daystar University, Masinde Muliro University and Africa Nazarene among others.
All these dress codes were meant to promote decent dressing and morals as opposed to current fashion trends where youth are exposing various body parts including their chests, midriff, whole back and thighs.
Church-run schools are known to have strict rules. Like Bishop Mbaga, the same was witnessed when popular musician Akothee had it rough when Ng’iya Girls, a church-run school also located in Siaya County, rescinded an invitation to have her speak to their students in August 2023.
At the time, Akothee was a trending topic following the ongoing controversial drama in her life, and as this matter leaked onto social media, many were divided over the church’s decision to uninvite Akothee from the school. At the end of the day, Akothee only thanked the School’s Principal for considering her for the inspiration talks.
“I met you in Sinyolo Girls and you stole my heart with your kindness, you made my work of admitting the less fortunate easy, even though I was late. Thank you very much for helping me support the vulnerable, you saw it fit to help you walk the journey of the underprivileged, but there is a way the universe works for us. Ng’iya Girls High school is now on the map, known globally, even those who didn’t know Ng’iya Girls, now they know. I really appreciate the love and faith you have for me. I will still support any course that will leave a positive impact to our society,” said Akothee.
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