Students in Siaya County have been warned against drawing tattoos in their bodies as this may put them at loggerheads with their school administrators.
The Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESHHA) Siaya County Chairperson, Vincent Odhiambo said that although school rules do not allow tattoos they have noticed that many students in the region have drawings on the visible parts of their bodies.
Odhiambo said that this has forced the school administrators to send the students home to remove the drawings causing outcry from parents who find it very expensive to remove tattoos.
“Some of the tattoos are permanent and could cost up to shs.2 million to remove. This is too expensive for the parents who are struggling to pay fees,” said Odhiambo.
Odhiambo who is also the Principal of Chianda High School said the students were often influenced by action of celebrities without knowing what the drawings on the body symbolize.
“Tattoos are now viewed as fashion among the youth who blindly imitate what celebrities around the world are doing. What they do not understand is that the symbols drawn on the body may be linked to a cult or outlawed groups,” he said.
Odhiambo also said that the tattoos are harmful to the students’ bodies as different machines are used to pierce the skin and that can make them develop skin complications.
He on that note cautioned the students that they may face challenges in future when they realise that they want to remove the tattoos which they no longer fancy.
Odhiambo also told parents to be watchful of what their children draw on their bodies to prevent them falling into trouble with the society in future.
The Principal said that they will not allow students with tattoos on their bodies as they may influence the innocent ones into strange cultures and beliefs.
By Mary Oswero
