Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Mercy Wanjau, has assured Kenyans of government commitment to eradicate shame faced by girls from deprived families during menstruation periods by providing sanitary towels to school going girls and keep them in schools throughout the learning sessions.
Speaking at Mutira Girls’ High School during the school’s Education Day, in Kirinyaga County, Dr. Wanjau asserted that ‘period poverty’ is not only stigmatizing but also creates a situation where a girl is unable to participate in the day-to-day activities during the period time hence provision of sanitary towel is an equalizer to help the girl to keep the pace within academic calendar.
“This is part of a global commitment that Kenya has made, and in support of the empowerment of the girl child, the government of Kenya does provide support for sanitary towels within the Republic in order to achieve and to bridge the issue of period poverty,” Dr Wanjau declared.
She added that the initiative not only leveled the academic field both for the girl child as well as the boy child but also enabled them to fully participate in national development.
The cabinet secretary further emphasized that education is a collective journey that bring together students, teachers and all other stakeholders to build future generations and prepare them for future leadership.
“Gatherings like this one are a powerful reminder that education is not a solo effort—it is a shared journey. When we come together like this, we renew our collective promise to nurture the next generation,” she stressed
Dr. Wanjau who commissioned a new dining hall in the school added that the government recognizes that education is one of the most powerful catalysts for transforming lives—and by extension, transforming our country.
She challenged the students saying the changing world and future will demand not just good grades, but good judgment, not just intelligence, but wisdom.
“Education isn’t simply about passing exams, it’s about preparing you to make wise decisions later in life—about relationships, careers, values, and leadership”, she said.
She implored on alumni to remember the needy students that require support. “As you rise, remember to hold the hands of those you’ve left behind. Come back and mentor, encourage, and walk alongside your younger sisters. Be the example that gives them the courage to dream even bigger.”
She acknowledged the role of education to security teams as the academic success is only possible within a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
“Your leadership and partnership help create the conditions in which excellence can thrive. When security is assured and education is sufficiently resourced, our girls are free to dream bigger and achieve more,” she pointed out.
Mutira Girls is an extra-county school which was founded in 1971 and sits on land donated by the community, with a current population of 1406 students and 80 teachers.
Dr. Eunice Njue, the school principal, said their main aim is to ensure students receive high quality education, which has made them top in Kirinyaga Central for the last 8 years and 3rd in county after the 2 national schools in the county. Last year they managed to send 292 students to university out of 374 registered candidates.
The principal also noted that in cocurricular activities Kenya sports academy in conjunction with Talanta Hela scouted 4 students in football and netball.
She urged parents to continue supporting academic and development activities as well joining partners like Equity Bank, Jomo Kenyatta Foundation and other parents sponsoring needy students
Kirinyaga TSC County Director, Catherine Lenairoshi, assured the school of a close working relationship to ensure they have enough teaching workforce.
By Mutai Kipngetich
