St. Mary's Ukwala Closed Indefinitely Over Alleged Poor Quality Meals

Siaya County, Kenya

St. Mary's Ukwala High School has been closed indefinitely following student protests over the alleged use of substandard maize flour in their meals. The students claimed that the school administration served them ugali and porridge made from expired or poor-quality flour, leading to dissatisfaction and unrest.

The protest reportedly erupted on the night of Monday, June 2, with students marching from the school to Ukwala Town to express their grievances. They accused the school principal of being the primary supplier of the substandard maize flour, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and food safety violations.

Authorities responded swiftly to the unrest, ordering the immediate closure of the school and instructing students to vacate the premises. The abrupt closure left many parents and local residents shocked, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Social media reactions have been mixed, with some alumni expressing disappointment over the school's decline, while others emphasized the importance of addressing food safety concerns in educational institutions.