As Kenya observes World Menstrual Day, Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has called on the government to address the persistent challenges in the provision of sanitary towels to schoolgirls.
In a statement shared on her official X account on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Wamuchomba said that despite the national government’s annual allocation of approximately KSh550 million through the Ministry of Education, not all public schools receive these essential hygiene products.
Wamuchomba emphasised the need for increased funding and improved distribution mechanisms to ensure that all girls have access to hygienic menstrual products, thereby supporting their education and well-being.
“Today is World Menstrual Day. Sadly, not every girl and woman has access to hygienic sanitary towels in Kenya. The Government of Kenya only allocates about Ksh 550 million annually to the supply of sanitary towels in Kenya through the Ministry of Education. Unfortunately, not all public schools receive these most needed items,” Wamuchomba stated.
Raw materials
Wamuchomba further raised concerns about Kenya’s reliance on imported raw materials for the local production of sanitary towels.
She highlighted that this practice contributes to environmental degradation due to the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste.
In addition, the legislature emphasised the need for sustainable solutions to address both the accessibility of sanitary products for schoolgirls and the environmental impact associated with their production and disposal.
“Worse still, we import raw materials from other countries to make sanitary products locally, adding to our environment’s loads of non-biodegradable waste,” she added.
The vocal parliamentarian further expressed her commitment to addressing period poverty in Kenya. She stated that, should she become president, she would implement a programme to install sanitary towel dispensers in every village, creating business opportunities for young women.
In addition, she disclosed that she is currently piloting a community empowerment project focused on the local production of biodegradable sanitary towels using natural fibres, aiming to provide sustainable menstrual hygiene solutions.
“There’s hope. When I will be president of Kenya, I will ensure every village gets a sanitary towel dispenser as a business model for young women. Further, I will promote local production of biodegradable sanitary towels using natural fibres. I’m currently piloting this project as a community empowerment project. Trust me, it will be done,” she stated.
World Menstrual Hygiene
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness and promote good menstrual health and hygiene for all women and girls.
