St. Francis Rang'ala Girls National School in Siaya county has dropped its long-standing rule requiring all students to shave their heads, ending decades of mandatory clean-shaven looks at the institution.

The school administration confirmed the policy shift this week during a parade, saying learners will now be allowed to keep their hair so long as it's neat and well-groomed.

For years, many girls’ boarding schools in Kenya enforced head-shaving as part of uniform policy. Administrators argued it promoted hygiene, reduced lice outbreaks, saved grooming time, and eliminated competition over hairstyles. Critics called it outdated, saying it stripped girls of identity and ignored the cultural significance of hair.

At Rang’ala Girls, the rule had been strictly applied during admissions and spot checks. New students reported to school with shaved heads and were expected to maintain the look all year. The policy sparked complaints from parents and alumni who said it was harsh, especially for teenagers navigating self-image.

The Principal said the review was driven by feedback from students, parents, and the Board of Management.

Addressing the students, the principal emphasised that while the new policy allows long hair and plaiting, discipline and neatness must be maintained at all times.

“Remember that while doing that hair, and you fail to keep it well, the punishment is shaving. Are we in agreement? And so you start keeping your hair, to make it longer, or plait, starting from the half-term break,” the principal said, cautioning students that hair standards would still be enforced despite the change.

The new code still bans elaborate styles, weaves and dyed hair. Students must keep it simple and manageable. The school says this balances discipline with personal expression.

In a video shared by the school, students immediately erupted in excitement, with many cheering, clapping, and jumping in celebration after hearing the long-awaited decision. The moment quickly turned emotional as learners who had endured years of mandatory shaving finally received what they described as “freedom.”

The school’s decision comes amid a broader national conversation. In 2023, the Ministry of Education issued guidelines urging schools to review rules that could be seen as discriminatory or excessive. Courts have also weighed in, with rulings noting that while schools can set grooming standards, they must be reasonable and not infringe on dignity.