Kenyan university bans jackets and miniskirts during exams: ‘No’

• Koitaleel Samoei University College has banned certain clothing, such as jackets and miniskirts, during exams to curb cheating.
• This directive arose out of concern that students were using clothing to conceal illicit material or expose notes written on the body.
• Similar measures have been taken by other institutions including the University of Moi and the Technical University of Mombasa

Ouasin Guishu – Koitaleel Samoei University College has issued a directive regarding the appropriate dress code for students during examinations.

In a memo dated Monday, January 20, the Mosoriota-based institution expressly banned students from wearing jackets, mini skirts, jumpers among other clothing in examination rooms.

“All students are informed that jumpers, caps, short clothes and scarves are not allowed in the examination halls,” the post reads.

Why did Koitalil University College ban jackets and mini skirts during exams?

The facility’s crackdown on certain clothing is the result of concerns about its misuse writing off in exams.

For years, students have been known to use large jackets and jumpers to hide unauthorized materials such as mobile phones or other written notes, effectively smuggling them into exam rooms.

The loose and bulky nature of these clothes makes it easy to conceal and use items inconspicuously, giving students an unfair advantage during exams.

In addition, some students, especially women, are accused of writing exam material on their thighs or other body parts. By wearing short dresses, they can access written information during exams without arousing suspicion.

The University of Nairobi Therefore, the constituent college has introduced strict dress code in exams as a preventive measure to eliminate cheating tactics by students.

The examination season continues in universities

The directive comes at a time when end-of-semester examinations have started in many Kenyan universities. These exams were postponed due to last year’s nationwide teachers’ strikewhich disrupted most public universities. The University of Nairobi (UoN) exams started on Monday, January 20. However, some students reported that he was not allowed to take the written examsfor failure to pay school fees on time due to delay Higher Education Loan Council (HELB) payments.

Moi University prohibits indecent clothing

Koitaleel Samoei University College is not the first institution to tighten its dress code policy, as enforcing a dress code to uphold academic integrity and discipline is becoming more common in Kenyan universities.

on University of Moi for example, the a dress code policy was introduced in February 2024, in response to what the administration called an increase in indecent clothing.

Acting Dean of Students Dr. Alice Mutai said certain fashion trends such as miniskirts, ripped jeans, tight pants and crop tops undermine the dignity and focus needed in an academic environment. Likewise, the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) introduced its dress code in March 2024 to address concerns about inappropriate dress and general standards of cleanliness among students.

The institution reminded its students to behave in a neat, respectful manner, outright banning loose hair, micro- and mini-skirts, and cut-off tops.

Source: TUKO.co.ke