This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
On September 6, 2019, 14-year-old Jackline Chepngeno from Bomet County, Kenya, took her life in a tragic incident that has left many questioning the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to a preliminary report by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Jackline's death was a result of shame and humiliation she suffered in school, despite there being plenty of sanitary pads available.
The report, signed by TSC CEO Nancy Macharia, revealed that the school had received a full consignment of sanitary towels for the second term, with 77 packets stored in the school store on the day of the incident.
At home, Jackline had left one packet of sanitary pads in her box, which her mother, Beatrice Kirui, confirmed to the investigation team.
However, the report contradicts the statement recorded by Jackline's class teacher, Jennifer Chemutai, who claimed she neither ridiculed nor sent the pupil home while the investigators alleged she talked to the girl 'politely'.
Ms Chemutai's statement also contradicts Jackline's mother, who said the girl had been sent home by the teacher for staining her clothes but had left pads at home.
The incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for accountability and action to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
Published on September 20, 2019, the report has shed new light on the circumstances surrounding Jackline's death, highlighting the need for schools to provide a safe and supportive environment for students.
