Over 6,000 schoolgirls from Gichugu Constituency in Kirinyaga County will benefit from sanitary pads donated by area member of Parliament Robert Gichimu.
The pupils and students who are drawn from secondary-day and primary schools will receive the pads after every three months.
Speaking at Rukenya Primary school where he launched the distribution exercise the MP said its saddening to see some girls being absent in school for some days due to lack of pads.
“It is shameful to see some girls cannot attend classes for sometimes but we have come up with a solution especial in day school and primary school,” he noted. “This initiative will go a long way to ensure our children attend schools on all days of the month,” he added.
The sanitary towel distribution is a personal initiative of the MP to improve performance in the schools within the area. He said he will propose a Bill in parliament to compel the NG-CDF to provide a specific amount for the pads.
While receiving the donation Rukenya Primary Headteacher Beatrice Munene said the programme by the legislator will empower girl child leading to better academic performance.
“This commitment by our leader will empower young girls, enhance their dreams and eventually make them perform better in class,” she said. “This move will reduce the number of girls missing school during their menstrual cycle,” she added.
In 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta signed the Basic Education Amendment Act into law placing the responsibility of providing free, sufficient, and quality sanitary towels on the government.
By Mutai Kipngetich
