Schools in Busia County are increasingly turning to menstrual health education as a practical solution to rising cases of teenage pregnancies and school dropouts among adolescents.
The shift follows the rollout of a “Back to School” campaign by Jenga Afrihub in partnership with the Busia County Department of Health, an initiative now being integrated into school programmes to support learners both academically and socially.
Launched after a two-day seminar in Angurai, the campaign focuses on equipping girls and boys with accurate knowledge on menstrual health while also providing essential hygiene materials. Education stakeholders say the approach is already helping reduce absenteeism, particularly among girls.
Speaking after the training, Jenga Afrihub Director Marian Murunga said menstrual health must be treated as a core education issue, noting that stigma and lack of access to sanitary products have long disrupted learning.
“Busia schools are now tackling dropouts through menstrual health education by ensuring learners can manage their wellbeing with dignity and confidence,” she said.
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The programme also creates safe spaces within schools for open discussions, allowing students to share experiences and challenge misconceptions surrounding reproductive health.
County officials have backed the initiative, with Sarah Angunda calling for the integration of health education into everyday learning.
She emphasized that schools remain the most effective platforms for shaping attitudes and equipping young people with life skills that go beyond the classroom.
With teenage pregnancies in Busia estimated at 18 percent, stakeholders believe sustained school-based interventions will play a critical role in improving retention and overall student outcomes.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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