Nubian Rights Forum Calls for Justice for the expelled Non-Maasai students of the Isinya Boys’ Secondary School

By Eddah Waithaka

The Nubian Rights Forum (NRF) has raised alarm over disturbing reports of ethnic discrimination at Isinya Boys Secondary School, where around 100 non-Maasai have been forcibly expelled and non-Maasai teachers have been dismissed. The NRF says this undermines the principles of equality and inclusion in Kenya’s educational institutions and calls for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities to rectify the situation.

These young learners, who have a fundamental right to education, now find themselves without access to schooling.

NRF condemns this action, which perpetuates exclusion and marginalisation. Equally disturbing is the dismissal of non-Maasai ethnic teachers from the same school.

These educators have been instrumental in shaping young minds and their abrupt removal disrupts the learning environment and undermines the quality of education.

As a government institution, Isinya Boys Secondary School must uphold the principles of inclusivity, fairness and equality. The Ministry of Education has a responsibility to ensure that all students – regardless of their ethnic background – receive an education free from discrimination.

Teachers should be assessed on the basis of their qualifications and performance, not their ethnicity. The NRF urges the Ministry of Education to take the following steps:

Conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the expulsion of non-Maasai students.

• Reinstate those students who were unfairly removed and provide necessary support.
• Reassign non-Maasai teachers who were dismissed to other schools within the region.
• Implement comprehensive anti-discrimination training for school staff and students.
• Establish clear guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.

NRF urges the government to promptly allocate the affected students to alternative schools. Every day without education is a missed opportunity for their growth and development.

“No child should be discriminated against in our educational institutions. It is our collective duty to create an environment where diversity is celebrated and where every student feels safe, respected and empowered,” said Shafi Ali Hussein, Executive Director.