Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has rolled out a massive countywide sanitary pads distribution drive aimed at curbing absenteeism of girls from school during menses.
Through the County department of Gender and Youth, 3,173 girls from 20 schools drawn from across the county have received sanitary towels.
The distribution is being spearheaded by County Executive Committee members on behalf of the Governor.
Data held by the County Government indicates that nearly three out of every ten girls miss school each month due to menstruation, a challenge that continues to undermine their education and academic performance.
Beyond the distribution of sanitary pads, the drive also included mentorship sessions designed to build confidence, resilience and awareness among school-going girls.
Governor Waiguru has said that the programme forms part of the county government’s broader girl-child empowerment agenda, noting that lack of access to sanitary products had forced many girls to stay away from school during their menstrual cycle.
Speaking during the exercise at Kinyaga Secondary School on Wednesday, February 4, Chief Officer for Gender and Youth, Sheila Mwangi, said the initiative was designed to ensure that no girl is left behind because of her menstrual cycle.
Mwangi observed that many girls were struggling silently, with some parents forced to prioritise basic household needs over sanitary products due to economic hardship.
“The Governor is deeply passionate about this programme. We noted that many girls were suffering, and in some homes sanitary pads were treated as a last priority. This intervention ensures that girls stay in school, learn comfortably and perform without distraction,” Mwangi said.
The initiative has been hailed as a timely intervention in girls’ retention in school. Kinyaga Secondary School Principal Naomi Kariuki expressed gratitude, saying the donation would help keep girls in school at a time when many parents were facing economic challenges.
“I sincerely appreciate the pads given to our girls. With the current economic hardships, many parents are struggling. This support will ensure the girls remain in school, the curriculum flows smoothly and performance improves,” Kariuki said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Kinyaga Primary School headteacher Willy Gathumbi, who said the intervention came at a critical moment for many families.
“Most parents are suffering because farming has not yielded much produce this season hence posing economic setbacks. This support will help children stay in school and learn without interruption,” Gathumbi said.
Kutus Comprehensive Primary School headteacher Patrick Njue described the donation as a thoughtful gesture that went beyond health support.
“The governor has taken care of their health and their welfare in school. The girls are now more comfortable knowing they are supported,” Njue said.
The county government noted that while the current programme focuses on the girl-child, complementary initiatives targeting the boy-child are also planned to ensure inclusive development and balanced support for all learners.
Governor Waiguru further said that supporting vulnerable groups was both a constitutional and moral obligation of her administration, adding that the county had set aside KSh30 million in the current financial year to support young people, women, persons living with disabilities and vulnerable families.
