Girls from AIC Tegat primary school in Nandi Central have benefitted from free sanitary towels issued to them by the ministry of education.
Speaking during the distribution of 895 packets of sanitary towels at the school’s ground, the County Women Representative Dr. Tecla Tum said the government is investing in the programme to ensure all girls are retained in schools to better their performance.
Dr Tum said failure for girls to get proper sanitary towels can have negative health consequences in school.
“Provision of sanitary towels in schools improves girl’s health, student class attendance and performance, promotes education and retention of girl child in school,” she said.
Dr Tum also noted that menstrual hygiene management improves self-esteem among girls and makes them feel comfortable when learning and walking around.
“I am happy because my girls are being taken care off by the government of Kenya. This has improved the transition rate of girls from lower class to upper because most girls are retained in school,” she said.
Dr Tum advised girls to stop engaging in premarital affairs adding that about 10,000 girls in Nandi County are either pregnant or have already given birth. “To excel in your academics, you have to obey your parents, respect one another and those in authority and above all love God,” she said.
Nandi Central Deputy County Commissioner Obed Mose assured KCPE candidates that all is well and they should not worry about anything.
“Preparations for our national examinations are in top gear. We have adequate security to ensure the exams are done with no hitch. Candidates should relax because all of you will succeed,” he said.
Mose asked teachers and learners to observe and stick to Covid 19 protocols when walking around to ensure they are safe.
Nandi Central Sub County Director of Education Mr Anthony Barasa said the level of absenteeism among girls in schools has reduced due to the issuance of sanitary towels.
“As a ministry, we are going to ensure every girl who undergoes these changes is able to receive sanitary towels to enable them focus on their studies and not feel embarrassed due to the biological process,’ he added.
By Linet Wafula and Esther Oyugi
