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.

"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."

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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."
With that explanation, the content creator removed his jewelry, signed off with "let's do this," and proceeded inside the institution.
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 and male earrings.
Victor Peace//Facebook

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:

@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 incident continues to stir conversations about the evolving boundaries between personal branding, corporate readiness, and institutional autonomy in East Africa's higher education sector.