St George’s Girls’ Closed Indefinitely After Protests Over Corporal Punishment

St George's Girls' Secondary School was closed on Monday, September 8, following students' night protests over corporal punishment.

According to the deputy county commissioner of Dagoretti North Sub-County, the decision to shut down the institution was made following disturbances that erupted overnight, prompting intervention by security agencies and the school's board of management.

"We have made the decision as the security team and the board, and have declared the school closed," the Deputy County Commissioner, Dagoretti North Sub-County, stated. "Further communications will be made later. Investigations on what transpired last night are ongoing."

The overnight disturbances reportedly began after allegations emerged that a teacher had physically assaulted a student for leaving the dormitory to observe the lunar eclipse that occurred Sunday night.

The incident allegedly sparked outrage among the student body, leading to widespread unrest within the school compound.

Law enforcement officers were deployed to the school premises to restore order as the situation escalated.

The disturbances continued well into the night, prompting concerned parents to converge on the school to de-escalate the situation and ensure their children's safety.

By Monday morning, the school compound was filled with students gathered outside, while school administrators, parents, and a significant police presence worked to address the unfolding crisis.

Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris expressed concern over the school's closure and its impact on students and families.

"I am concerned by the indefinite closure of St. George's Girls ' Nairobi and the disruption to learners and families. I urge all stakeholders to cooperate with investigations and ensure our children's safety, dignity, and rights are upheld," Passaris stated.

She emphasized the need for balance in addressing the situation, noting that "while every educator deserves training and support to uphold the highest level of professional standards, every child deserves a safe and nurturing learning environment."

The incident sharply highlights Kenya's legal position on corporal punishment, which is prohibited under the country's supreme law.

Article 29 of the Constitution 2010 clearly states that every person "has the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right not to be subjected to any form of violence from either public or private sources; subjected to torture in any manner, whether physical or psychological; subjected to corporal punishment; or treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading manner."

This constitutional provision makes corporal punishment unlawful not only in schools but also in homes.

The deputy county commissioner indicated that investigations into the events that triggered the protests are ongoing.

The school's closure remains indefinite, with authorities promising to communicate further developments as investigations progress.