Busia Women Representative Catherine Omanyo has initiated a sanitary pad program worth Ksh.10 million for schoolgirls, aimed at ensuring their continued education and reducing cases of teenage pregnancies and early marriages among them.
This program aligns with the implementation of a law signed by Kenya’s former President, Uhuru Kenyatta, in June 2017, which mandated the national government to provide free sanitary pads to enhance girls’ access to education throughout the country. According to the law, the government is responsible for supplying free, adequate, and high-quality sanitary towels and promoting safe and environmentally friendly disposal methods for schoolgirls.
Addressing the press at St. Augustine Kamolo Secondary School in Teso North Sub County, Omanyo distributed sanitary pads to 246 girls and emphasized that the pads, not provided in cash, would be distributed by women representatives from all 47 counties.
During her visits to Opeduru, Kwangamor, and Busibwabo Primary Schools, Omanyo expressed her satisfaction at being able to bring joy to girls from humble backgrounds. She disclosed that Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Aisha Jumwa, had confirmed that funds for the program had already been allocated in the budget.
“Before the official launch of the program, I decided to think creatively and set aside funds to purchase sanitary pads for selected schools. The girls will use these pads for three months before we restock them,” she explained.
Additionally, the legislator has sponsored over 35 girls with a second chance full scholarships and disbursed bursaries totaling ksh.4.4 million.