After the passing of alumnus and LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba, the University of Eldoret published new dress code standards.
On Thursday, January 19th, Dean of Students Lelei Kiboiy issued a statement asking all students to dress appropriately for their gender. This was done to prevent any confusion at security checkpoints.
The message states, in part, that “students are expected to maintain gender compatible apparel that should represent their personal details as established in the university entrance records.”
Male students were not allowed to attend Kiboiy if they wore baggy pants, tops that exposed their chests, or jeans that were too worn-looking.
Students were advised against dressing provocatively, which included avoiding items like micro and tiny skirts, skintight pants, ripped jeans, low-cut blouses, micro shorts, transparent and off-shoulder dresses, and sleeveless t-shirts.
The university’s clothing code, the Dean said, is outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.
He also mentioned that there would be repercussions for violating the regulations, which encouraged students to dress in a way that was simple, decent, modest, and acceptable for a learning atmosphere.
The memo instructed students to “cease unacceptable dress at all times” on campus or face disciplinary action.
Chiloba studied fashion design there and quickly became well-known for his daring aesthetic.
With its declaration, the University of Eldoret joined the ranks of 2023’s second higher education institution to examine its dress policy.
The ban on dreadlocks and plaited hair among male students at Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) on January 7 sparked a nationwide conversation.
Peter Kaluma, a member of parliament representing Homa Bay Town, drew criticism after declaring that dreadlocks should be illegal for people of both sexes to wear in the workplace.
