Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has started distributing sanitary pads to girls in various learning institutions in the area in a bid to help retain them in school.
A number of schools across the county have already benefited from the initiative.
The coordinator of the programme in the MP’s office, MTimothy Nyandusi, said all schools within the seven sub-counties in Kisumu will benefit from the exercise.
Nyandusi was speaking at Nyamasaria Primary School, where, together with education officials, they distributed hundreds of sanitary pads to female students.
Keeping girls in school
Nyandusi said the programme is aimed at ensuring girls remain in school during their menstrual cycle.
“It has come to our attention that many girls drop out of school during their menstrual period due to stigma,” he said.
He noted that the trend is unfortunate as it interferes with the learning progress of many students.
The Kisumu East Sub-county Quality Assurance Officer, Mr Shadrach Tanui, lauded the initiative.
Tanui said the move will help ensure that more girls are retained in learning institutions.
He added that no child should drop out of school because of menstrual-related challenges.
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The officer in charge of the gender desk, Grace Jobita, revealed that they intend to reach as many schools as possible within the county.
School headteacher Mr Charles Ondiek also praised the initiative, saying more leaders should emulate the gesture.
By Fredrick Odiero
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