Kericho: The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) has initiated the distribution of 198,476 sanitary towels across Kericho County to improve menstrual hygiene management and boost girls’ retention in primary and junior secondary schools. This initiative was officially launched at Kinyose Primary School in Kipchimchim, Ainamoi Sub-County by Kericho County Woman Representative, Beatrice Kemei.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme aims to support 61,937 girls attending various schools in the county as part of ongoing efforts to enhance educational access. Kemei highlighted that better access to menstrual hygiene products is linked to improved school attendance, class participation, and enhances the confidence and wellbeing of adolescent girls.
Kemei stated, “This programme is about keeping our girls in school, restoring their dignity, and ensuring that menstruation does not interrupt learning or affect performance.” She also emphasized that retaining girls in school can help prevent social issues such as teenage pregnancies, defilement, and gender-based violence, which have been 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 carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and NGAAF to ensure that no student misses school due to the lack of sanitary towels.
The event was attended by Kericho County Commissioner, Jeremiah Mwai, and officials from the Ministry of Education, among others.
