BY VIONA SIMIYU

A section of parents at St George’s Girls Senior School is demanding answers and accountability following allegations of inappropriate security checks carried out on students after the mid-term break.The parents raised the concerns on Monday as they returned their daughters to school. They claim some learners were subjected to searches they described as humiliating and degrading.

According to the parents, the checks went beyond normal security procedures. Several allege that students underwent intimate body searches without proper consent and in conditions they termed unhygienic.They say the incidents caused emotional distress among the students. The claims have now raised questions over whether the measures respected the learners’ dignity, privacy and rights.The parents are calling on the school administration and relevant authorities to investigate and establish whether the security procedures followed met the required guidelines.“We support measures that keep our children safe, but security should not come at the expense of their dignity and rights.

There must be proper procedures when handling students,” one parent said.The allegations come as schools across the country have heightened security in response to recent unrest, including incidents of property destruction and student indiscipline. Parents, however, insist that while schools have a responsibility to maintain safety, any searches of learners must be conducted professionally and with respect.“Our children went back to school expecting a safe environment. We want answers on what happened and assurance that such incidents will not happen again,” another parent said.The school administration has been urged to explain the circumstances surrounding the searches and to outline measures in place to protect students while maintaining security.

Asumpta Mwangi, Chief Principal of St George’s Girls Senior School, said student welfare remains the priority.“The school’s priority is the safety and wellbeing of every learner. All measures taken are aimed at ensuring a secure learning environment while following the required procedures,” Mwangi said.The matter has sparked renewed debate on how schools can balance security concerns with the protection of students’ rights, as parents wait for further action and clarity from the relevant authorities.