The United States (US) has generously donated 860,000 sanitary towels to Kenyan public primary schools through the Sanitary Towels program.
During the reception of the consignment at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) on Tuesday, Basic Education Principal Secretary (PS) Belio Kipsang expressed gratitude to the US Embassy in Nairobi, USAID, and the US Department of Defense for their collaboration with Kenya on this commendable initiative.
Kipsang highlighted that the donation will supplement the government’s efforts to safeguard and promote the educational interests of girls.
He emphasized that the government has embraced the program to tackle issues such as absenteeism and dropouts among school girls, particularly those hailing from rural and marginalized regions.
Gender and Affirmative Action PS Anne Wang’ombe underscored that the donation aligns with the objectives of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed on May 28, 2024.
She explained that the commemoration of this day is geared towards raising awareness about menstrual hygiene and combating the stigma surrounding the menstrual cycle.
“Menstruation is surrounded by taboos in some communities, yet it is a normal biological process,” said PS Wang’ombe.
On her part USAID Kenya/East Africa Education Director Christine Veverka said that menstruation becomes a barrier for many girls in Kenya, crippling their ambitions to achieve their goals.
“Girls miss school, up to 20% each month, simply due to a lack of affordable sanitary products,” she noted adding that some are forced to resort to harmful practices to manage their menstruation.
Veverka emphasized the US’s commitment to altering this reality through its comprehensive initiatives to promote menstrual awareness.
This latest consignment marks the second donation from the US, facilitated by USAID and the US Department of Defense. The first donation, made in March, consisted of 171,000 packets delivered to the Sanitary Towels program.
