Galentine Care Limited has launched an all-women-led sanitary pad factory in Homa Bay County to tackle period poverty, create jobs, and keep girls in school.
The Galentine Care Sanitary Pad Factory, a women-led manufacturing social enterprise, aims to end period poverty through affordable, locally produced sanitary pads while providing dignified employment for women.
In a press statement, Galentine Care Limited said the factory, located in Mbita, will produce high-quality sanitary pads designed by women for women, selling them at prices up to 60 percent lower than prevailing market rates, with packs priced as low as Sh50.
A portion of production will be donated to local schools to support girls’ education and reduce menstrual-related absenteeism.
The factory was inaugurated by Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga, who highlighted the challenges girls face when navigating menstruation without adequate support.
Governor Wanga said the factory offers a practical, sustainable solution that strengthens the economy while protecting girls. “When girls lack access to pads, they miss school, making them vulnerable. This is not charity; this is a social enterprise rooted in dignity,” she added.
The launch comes as Homa Bay continues to record the highest teenage pregnancy rates in Kenya. In 2024 alone, over 17,000 teenage girls became pregnant, accounting for approximately 22 percent of reported pregnancies in the county. By mid-2025, more than 10,000 new cases had already been recorded. Evidence shows period poverty increases vulnerability, sometimes pushing girls into exploitative situations to afford sanitary products.
Member of Parliament Suba North Millie Odhiambo said the factory demonstrates that local investment and smart legislation can protect dignity, create jobs, and secure girls’ futures. “No girl should miss school because of her period,” Odhiambo said, noting Galentine Care addresses menstrual health while strengthening women’s economic participation.
Founder and CEO Peter Macodida said community-driven research revealed that 97 percent of women in Homa Bay could afford pads priced at Sh50, shaping production and pricing decisions.
At full capacity, the plant is expected to grow from 17 trained women workers to over 200 in three years, reaching more than 430,000 women nationwide while normalising menstrual health through education and community outreach.
“Galentine Care is not just a factory; it is a movement,” said co-founder Tracy Mackavin. Stephanie March, co-founder, added that women-led manufacturing creates thriving communities when women design solutions for their own lives.
Director of Polycom Girls School Jane Anyango said the initiative is building a future where girls stay in school, participate fully, and pursue their passions without shame or interruption. “This factory fulfils a long-held dream. We began with pad banks in schools because period poverty held girls back. This effort is community-driven and quality-led,” she said.
By Anita Omwenga
