Kajiado leaders push for action as period poverty disrupts girls’ education

As hundreds of schoolgirls in Kajiado County continue to miss classes every month due to menstrual stigma, lack of sanitary towels and inadequate sanitation facilities, Kajiado leaders are now pushing for action to end period poverty disrupting girls’ education.

Led by Governor Joseph Ole Lenku’s wife, Edna Lenku, the leaders said that period poverty remains a major challenge affecting girls’ education and wellbeing across the county.

Speaking at Ole Lenku Primary School in Isinya, Edna said many girls are forced to stay away from school during menstruation because they cannot afford sanitary products or access facilities that allow them to manage their periods safely and with dignity.

“Menstrual hygiene is about dignity and ensuring girls stay in school without shame or missing opportunities because of their periods,” said Mrs. Lenku.

She observed that stigma and silence surrounding menstruation continue to worsen the situation, leaving many girls isolated and afraid to seek help.

Mrs. Lenku called for increased investment in menstrual hygiene programmes, including the provision of sanitary towels and improved sanitation facilities in schools.

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She also urged communities to openly discuss menstrual health issues to eliminate myths and cultural beliefs that discourage girls from seeking support.

“We must create an environment where girls can openly discuss menstrual health and access the support they need without fear of embarrassment or discrimination,” she said.

The governor’s spouse reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to promoting the health, wellbeing and empowerment of adolescent girls through sustained menstrual hygiene interventions and community awareness programmes.

Teachers attending the event said menstruation-related absenteeism continues to negatively affect academic performance among girls.

A teacher, Loise Sanaiya, said some learners avoid interacting with their peers during menstruation because of fear of ridicule and lack of privacy in schools.

“Some girls miss classes every month because they cannot afford sanitary towels. Others suffer in silence due to stigma, and this affects both their confidence and academic performance,” said Sanaiya.

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She warned that some vulnerable girls are exposed to risky sexual relationships as they seek money to purchase sanitary products, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancies and school dropouts.

More than 200 girls from schools within the area received sanitary towels and menstrual hygiene education during the event.

Participants also emphasized the need to involve boys and men in menstrual health awareness campaigns to create supportive school and community environments.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, seeks to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and advocate for improved access to menstrual products, education and sanitation facilities.

By Kimutai Langat