Kericho MP Kemei launches sanitary towels distribution drive to boost girls’ education

The Kericho County Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei has launched the distribution of 198,476 sanitary towels to learners across the county.

This is in a bid to enhance menstrual hygiene management and improve girls’ retention in primary and junior secondary schools.

The programme, which targets 61,937 girls in various schools, is part of sustained efforts to promote access to education and eliminate barriers that hinder academic progress among adolescent girls.

Speaking during the official launch at Kinyose Primary School in Kipchimchim, Ainamoi Sub-County, Kemei said the initiative is designed to ensure that menstruation does not disrupt learning.

“This programme is about keeping our girls in school, restoring their dignity, and ensuring that menstruation does not interrupt learning or affect performance,” she said.

She noted that improved access to menstrual hygiene products directly contributes to better school attendance, increased concentration in class, and enhanced confidence and overall wellbeing among girls.

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Kemei further emphasised that keeping girls in school also serves as a preventive measure against social challenges such as teenage pregnancies, defilement, and gender-based violence reported in parts of the county.

“We are investing in practical interventions that remove barriers to education and promote equal opportunities for the girl child across the county,” Kemei added.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), with the aim of ensuring that no learner is forced to miss school due to a lack of sanitary towels.

Kericho County Commissioner Jeremiah Mwai and officials from the Ministry of Education were among leaders present during the official launch ceremony.

By Kimutai Langat