This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
On September 6, 2019, 14-year-old Jackline Chepngeno took her life in a tragic incident that has left many questioning the actions of her teacher and the school's response to her situation.
According to a preliminary report by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Jackline suffered shame in school, which ultimately led to her decision to commit suicide. The report, signed by TSC CEO Nancy Macharia, reveals that the school had received its full consignment of sanitary towels for the second term, with 77 packets stored in the school's store.
However, despite this abundance of sanitary pads, Jackline was allegedly ridiculed by her teacher, Jennifer Chemutai, over her menstrual mess. The incident occurred on August 30, 2019, when Jackline was sent home by her teacher after staining her clothes.
Jackline's mother, Beatrice Kirui, confirmed to the investigation team that her daughter had left one packet of unused sanitary pads at home. However, this contradicts the statement recorded by Ms. Chemutai, who claimed that she neither ridiculed nor sent Jackline home, but instead informed her that staining her uniform was normal and left to bring pads.
The investigation team visited Jackline's home and confirmed that she had used one of the two packets of sanitary towels given to her by the school on July 30, 2019.
