No Mini-Skirts, Ripped Jeans- University of Eldoret's New Dress Code

The University of Eldoret has become the second institution of higher learning in 2023 to review its dress code policy.

In its internal memo to students dated Thursday, January 19, Dean of Students Lelei Kiboiy urged the students to dress in gender-appropriate attire that should also show their personal details as recorded in university admission records.

Kiboiy called out some students for failing to observe the university dress code in line with its rules and regulations and reviewed its dress code policy in the same university where its alumnus and LGBTQ activist Edwin Chiloba attended for his studies prior to his death.

"It has come to our attention that some students are not observing the university dress code as contained in the Rules and Regulations Governing the Conduct and discipline of students. All students are expected to dress in simple, decent, modest and appropriate attire that facilitates an atmosphere conducive to studies.

"Article 3.1 (e) of the Rules and Regulations Governing the Conduct and Discipline of the Students of the University of Eldoret identifies the following as inappropriate dress," the memo read in part.

Female students were banned from wearing micro/mini-skirts; skin-tight trousers; ragged/torn/ripped jeans; tumbo- cut blouses/T-shirts.

Also banned were low-cut blouses/dresses; micro shorts and transparent dresses; attires showing bra straps or sleeveless T-shirts.

As for the male students, sagging trousers; clothes revealing chests and ragged/torn/ripped jeans are not allowed.

"All students are therefore advised to, at all times, desist from inappropriate dressing while at the university as this may warrant disciplinary action. Students are also expected to maintain gender-compliant attire which should reflect their personal details as documented in the university admission records," added the memo.

Chiloba was a fashion design student at the institution and established himself as a designer known for his bold sense of style.

On Thursday, January 5, the Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) led the way in enforcing a new dress code policy for students in 2023, banning male and female students from donning attire that would be considered to breach the conduct of the university.

Male students were barred from wearing Rasta/dreadlocks (Wear properly groomed hair), Plaited hair, Earrings, Untucked shirts, Vests that show bare chests as well as Hats/caps in classes and offices. The ban on plaited hair and dreadlocks triggered a national debate.

Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter Kaluma called for dreadlocks to be banned from university and job environments, but his sentiments targeted especially towards doctors, lawyers and engineers triggered a heated debate on social media across the world.