About 21,500 girls from primary schools in Laikipia county will receive free sanitary pads from the government to help reduce school dropout and absenteeism due to lack of the essential commodity.
Laikipia County Education Officer Ms Beatrice Wachira said that the consignment of 85,500 packets of pads would be distributed to 303 schools across the county.
“We expect that girls in grade five to eight in 303 primary schools will each get four packets of pads. This will go a long way to keeping them in school since menstrual hygiene is important for learners,” said Ms Wachira, adding that some girls missed school for about four times in a term due to lack of menstrual kits.
She pointed out that some girls from vulnerable families in the county missed out of school to look for pads but ended up falling prey to men who took advantage of the situation leading to teen pregnancies.
“As some of our girls go to look for pads, they end up engaging in early sex and as a result, they get pregnant and with assistance, we believe that they will continue with the education, perform well and at the same time compete with the boys,” she pointed out.
Additionally, Ms Wachira said that the Ministry of Education would ensure all learners in need of sanitary towels benefit.
By Muturi Mwangi
