A Murang’a-born scholar and philanthropist, Dr Kamau Wairuri, has launched an initiative to address period poverty among school-going children in Kangema Sub-County.
On Monday a team from Dr Wairuri Foundation distributed sanitary towels to more than 500 girls; toothpaste and toothbrushes to more than 1,000 boys drawn from 12 secondary schools.
The intervention targeted both girls and boys, with the aim of boosting hygiene and ensuring uninterrupted learning as the learners prepare for their final examinations.
Speaking during the distribution, Dr Wairuri noted that the support was motivated by numerous cases where girls are missing school due to lack of sanitary products.
“It’s an embarrassment that we’re still dealing with this issue of period poverty in this day and age. Girls should never be forced into risky alternatives or miss school because they cannot access these products.
“The government has a constitutional duty to ensure that no child is left behind, yet so far this matter has only been paid lip service,” he said.
He further emphasized the foundation’s commitment to providing school girls with menstrual hygiene products to serve them both during the school term and holidays, while also offering boys essential personal hygiene items.
At Kanorero Secondary School, Principal David Wainaina expressed gratitude for the support, saying it had lifted a huge burden from many families.
“On behalf of the Kanorero fraternity, I sincerely thank Dr Wairuri and his team for standing with our needy students. These supplies will go a long way in ensuring that our girls remain in school and perform well in their exams,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Robert Muthee, the Principal of Gakira Secondary School, who pointed out the deeper social consequences of period poverty.
“Some girls are being forced into transactional sexual activities just to afford sanitary towels. This exposes them to early pregnancies and infections. This support has given them dignity and restored their focus on education,” he remarked.
Teachers across the visited schools highlighted the urgency of addressing period poverty, describing it as a growing crisis that directly affects academic performance and the future of young girls.
Dr Wairuri called for stronger government intervention, insisting that ending period poverty is not just a charitable act but a matter of children’s rights and equal access to education.
By Bernard Munyao
