An estimated 38,250 girls in public comprehensive schools across Kajiado County are set to benefit from a sanitary towels distribution programme funded by the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
The initiative was officially launched at AIC Girls Comprehensive School in Dalalekutuk Ward, Kajiado Central, where Kajiado Woman Representative Leah Sankaire said the programme targets girls from Grade Four to Grade Nine. Each beneficiary will receive four packets of sanitary towels to support their menstrual health and hygiene needs.
Sankaire described the programme as a critical educational incentive aimed at boosting girls’ confidence during their menstrual cycle, improving hygiene management and ensuring uninterrupted learning.
She disclosed that a total of 153,000 packets of sanitary towels will be distributed across the county under the initiative, reaffirming her office’s commitment to promoting access to education and safeguarding the dignity of school-going girls.
The Woman Representative further called on parents, teachers and other stakeholders to take collective responsibility in supporting girls to stay in school. She expressed concern over rising cases of teenage pregnancies and early marriages, which remain significant challenges affecting education outcomes in parts of the county.
“Education is the greatest equaliser and the surest path to empowerment,” Sankaire said, urging girls to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies in order to secure brighter futures.
She emphasised that addressing menstrual hygiene barriers is key to reducing absenteeism among girls and enhancing academic performance.
The NGAAF-funded programme forms part of broader efforts to promote gender equality, protect the rights of the girl child and create a conducive learning environment for all students in Kajiado County.
By Diana Meneto
