Strathmore University Earrings Row: Content Creator Sparks Debate on Dress Codes vs Personal Expression
Kenyan lifestyle content creator Victor Karanja has sparked an online debate on institutional dress codes after security officers at Strathmore University instructed him to remove his earrings before entry.
Karanja documented the interaction in a selfie-style TikTok video recorded inside his parked car just before stepping onto the campus premises. The video, captioned “POV: you were told to remove earrings in Strathmore,” quickly gained traction across social media platforms for its calm and reflective tone.
“I’ve Walked Into Different Companies and NGOs”
In the video, Karanja expressed surprise at the request, noting that he had never encountered such a rule in professional settings.
“It’s funny how I’ve walked in different companies and NGOs, and there’s no time I’ve been told to remove my earrings,” he said.
Compliance Over Confrontation
Refusing to let the situation derail his plans, Karanja chose compliance over confrontation, noting that his educational goals took priority over personal appearance rules on the day.
“I promised myself that I wouldn’t let my ego get in the way of my success because there are a lot of things I need to learn before I start the next project that I want to,” he explained.
With that, the content creator removed his jewelry, signed off with “let’s do this,” and proceeded inside the institution.
Strathmore’s Strict Dress Code
Strathmore University, a private Catholic institution based in Nairobi, maintains strict student code of conduct rules regarding attire and grooming. The policy mandates conservative dress standards for both male and female visitors and students, prohibiting items such as:
- ❌ Nose rings
- ❌ Visible tattoos
- ❌ Male earrings
Social Media Erupts
Karanja’s video rapidly drew starkly contrasting views from Kenyan netizens. A significant section of commentators questioned whether traditional academic institutions are out of touch with modern creative industries, where personal expression and relaxed dress codes are increasingly normalized.
The conversation drew active participation from various public figures and online handles:
| Handle | Comment |
|---|---|
| @USIU-AFRICA | “We would never!” |
| @Kiiru | “Lol they genuinely need to grow up with these rules.” |
| @TEAM NAIROBI RELOADED | “Private universities are just high schools for adults.” |
The Bigger Conversation
The incident continues to stir conversations about the evolving boundaries between personal branding, corporate readiness, and institutional autonomy in East Africa’s higher education sector.
At the heart of the debate is a fundamental question: Should institutions maintain strict dress codes that reflect tradition and discipline, or should they adapt to a changing world where personal expression is increasingly valued in professional spaces?
For Karanja, the answer was simple on the day — his education came first. But for many Kenyans online, the incident has raised questions that go far beyond a pair of earrings.
Key Takeaways
- 🎥 Victor Karanja documented being asked to remove his earrings at Strathmore University
- 📜 Strathmore’s Catholic-based dress code prohibits male earrings, nose rings, and visible tattoos
- 🤝 Karanja complied, prioritizing his education over personal appearance
- 💬 Social media erupted with divided opinions on institutional dress codes
- 🏫 The debate highlights tensions between tradition and modern personal expression in higher education