High court directs NOVA group to readmit a suspended student of pioneer girls school

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High court has directed NOVA Group Limited owners of Pioneer Girls Secondary School in Kiambu County to re-admit a Form One Student who was suspended last week for alleged misconduct.

High court judge Justice George Odunga also ordered the Board of Directors of Nova Group, from bullying, intimidating or harassing the student in any manner that would affect her continued studies until the matter will be heard.

The school was further ordered to provide all evidence relied upon during the disciplinary proceedings that preceded the 14 years old girl suspension on May 16.

Lawyer Kenneth Ndung’u Mburu, who represented the aggrieved parents, informed the court that the student was sent home on May 13 after she was taken by her mother to see an optician after attending the Academic Day at the Kikuyu campus.

“The school breached the petitioner’s constitutional right to education and the right to education cannot be curtailed through a totally flawed disciplinary hearing that relied on hearsay evidence,” the lawyer said.

According to the court documents the girl’s mother was given permission by the duty teacher to take her daughter to see the optician and signed her out in accordance with the school’s regulations.

Upon return to school, the girl’s mother was reportedly asked by the Principal, Dr Joy Kiano, to leave with the daughter for allegedly absconding and to report back on May 15.

It is alleged that no formal suspension letter was handed to the girl’s mother who was orally informed that her daughter was involved in bullying and engaging in scuffles with other students.

After the girl’s father protested at the harsh treatment, the Principal promised to consult the Managing Director of the Nova Group, Oliver Sabot.

The matter will be heard on May 31st 2017.