Trans Nzoia rolls out reusable sanitary pads programme to support girls’ education

The County Government of Trans Nzoia has intensified efforts to support girls’ education through a menstrual health initiative that has seen hundreds of learners receive reusable sanitary pads in various schools.

The programme, led by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education and Vocational Training Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, targeted learners at Showground Primary School and Meso Primary School where girls were issued with reusable sanitary towels aimed at improving school attendance and enhancing dignity among adolescent learners.

Speaking during the exercise, Mutama said the county administration remains committed to ensuring that menstrual health challenges do not hinder girls from accessing education.

She noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts by the county government to empower learners and promote gender equality in education.

Mutama expressed appreciation to Governor George Natembeya for supporting programmes that focus on the welfare of learners across the county. She also acknowledged the partnership with Dr. Aruna of the Better Together Foundation for supporting the menstrual health programme.

“The collaboration has strengthened the county’s capacity to reach more girls with sustainable sanitary solutions and boost school attendance within the county,” Mutama said.

Later in the day, the county team visited Anderson Secondary School and Anderson Vocational Training Centre where another batch of learners benefitted from the sanitary pads distribution exercise.

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During the visit to the vocational training centre, students undertaking tailoring courses were also awarded certificates after successfully completing training in the production of reusable sanitary pads.

Mutama said the initiative serves a dual purpose of addressing menstrual health needs among school girls while equipping vocational trainees with practical skills that can enable them venture into small-scale manufacturing of sanitary products.

She encouraged the graduates to utilize their newly acquired skills to create employment opportunities and support community-based solutions to menstrual health challenges.

Education stakeholders present during the event observed that lack of sanitary products remains one of the key factors contributing to absenteeism among school-going girls, particularly in rural areas.

School administrators from the beneficiary institutions welcomed the programme, noting that the distribution of reusable sanitary pads would significantly reduce cases of absenteeism among girls.

The county government indicated that the programme will be scaled up to reach more schools and vocational training centres across Trans Nzoia as part of its commitment to strengthening access to education and supporting the welfare of learners.

The initiative aligns with the county administration’s broader agenda of promoting inclusive education and empowering young people through skills development and strategic partnerships.

By Godfrey Wamalwa