The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) has launched the distribution of 198,476 sanitary towels in Kericho County to enhance menstrual hygiene management and improve girls’ retention in primary and junior secondary schools.
Speaking during the official launch at Kinyose Primary School in Kipchimchim, Ainamoi Sub-County, Kericho County Woman Representative, Beatrice Kemei, said the programme targets 61,937 girls at various schools across the county as part of sustained efforts to promote access to education.
Kemei pointed out that improved access to menstrual hygiene products directly contributes to better school attendance and class attention, as well as boosts confidence and overall wellbeing of adolescent girls.
“This programme is about keeping our girls in school, restoring their dignity, and ensuring that menstruation does not interrupt learning or affect performance,” she said.
She further emphasised that keeping girls in school also plays a preventive role against social vices such as teenage pregnancies, defilement, and gender-based violence reported in parts of the County.
“We are investing in practical interventions that remove barriers to education and promote equal opportunities for the girl child across the county,” Mrs Kemei added.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to ensure that no learner is forced to miss school due to lack of sanitary towels
Also present during the official launch was the Kericho County Commissioner, Jeremiah Mwai, Officials from the Ministry of Education among others.
By Kibe Mburu
