Twice a week: Why deputy principal dresses like her students
Education
By
Phares Mutembei
| Jun 13, 2026
At first glance, one could easily mistake Lower Chure Senior School Deputy Principal Catherine Muthuri for one of her students.
Mrs Muthuri has attracted praise and positive attention for an unusual approach that has helped her build strong bonds with learners: twice a week, she wears the school uniform.
Dressed in the school's light green skirt, white shirt, grey pullover, black shoes and white socks, she blends seamlessly with the students. She says the practice has strengthened relationships with learners while contributing to improved discipline and academic performance.
"I wear the school uniform twice a week, on the days we have the assembly. I decided to wear the school uniform so that I can link up well with the students," she told The Standard.
According to Muthuri, wearing the uniform alongside students has broken down barriers, improved communication and fostered a more positive learning environment.
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"It has improved the way we communicate with the students. We needed to be at an equal level to foster good relations. I decided to wear the uniform because it was another way of encouraging them," she said.
The Kiswahili and Christian Religious Education (CRE) teacher recalled a time when students came to school in a variety of outfits, resulting in poor adherence to dress codes.
"They would come to school wearing jumpers and coats, shoes of different colours. Some would even wear short skirts (girls) and tight trousers (boys). But that is a thing of the past. Discipline standards have gone up, and we are finding it very easy to relate," she said.
She added, "I found that the students were very reluctant to wear the school uniform, because they thought it was a burden. They did not want to associate with the uniform of the school."
Muthuri said her decision to wear the uniform inspired students to embrace it as well.
"They have learnt to religiously wear the uniform, because if a teacher can wear a uniform, big as we are, as I am, why not them?" she posed.
She believes leading by example has boosted morale, motivated learners and contributed to better discipline and academic outcomes.
"I like being a role model to the students, setting a good example. As a leader, the deputy school principal and in charge of discipline, I believe I should lead by setting a good example."
Muthuri has previously taught at Kithunguri Senior School, UK Girls in South Imenti, Kinjo Girls and Tabata Senior School, all in Meru County.
She maintains that the practice has significantly improved discipline.
"There were many incidents of discipline. And once I started wearing the school uniform, believe me, these days we don't have students wearing improper clothes or misbehaving. We expect to have very improved performance," she said.
Having taught for three decades, Muthuri says building strong relationships with learners has always been central to her teaching philosophy.
"I have taught for 30 years, and I love doing what I am employed to do; teaching and managing the children I have been entrusted with," she said.