Nairobi-based lawyer and gender activist Skeeter Kwamboka has called on the government to fund sanitary towels to female students across the country.
Kwamboka who has also hinted at running for Kisii Woman Representative seat said menstrual poverty remains a serious but often ignored crisis that continues to affect thousands of girls, especially those from poor and rural families.
She noted that many girls are forced to miss school during their menstrual periods because they cannot afford sanitary products, a situation she described as unacceptable in modern society.
“It is painful that in this day and age, some girls are still skipping classes because they cannot afford sanitary towels. Menstruation is a natural process and no girl should be shamed or disadvantaged because of it,” she said.
She explained that due to poverty, some girls resort to unsafe alternatives such as old clothes, tissue paper and pieces of mattresses, exposing them to infections and emotional distress.
Kwamboka, who has also announced her bid for the Kisii Woman Representative seat, said the situation has contributed to increased school absenteeism, low self-esteem and vulnerability among young girls.
“The conversation about education and empowerment cannot be complete when girls are still battling menstrual poverty. We must treat menstrual health as a dignity and human rights issue,” she added.
She spoke at Kisii University during an event to mark the free world menstrual day attended by hundreds of female students.
Kwamboka challenged both the national and county governments to strengthen funding for menstrual health programmes and ensure sanitary products reach needy learners in schools across the country.
She also called on leaders, civil society organisations and private companies to work together in promoting menstrual hygiene awareness and ending stigma surrounding menstruation.
“Girls should never feel embarrassed about their periods. Communities must create safe spaces where both boys and girls can openly learn about menstrual health without shame,” she said.
The activist further urged schools to improve access to clean water, toilets and sanitation facilities to help girls manage their periods in safe and dignified conditions.
Her remarks come amid growing calls by gender rights organisations for stronger policies aimed at protecting the dignity, health and education of girls in Kenya.
Kwamboka separately called for urgent strengthening of safety standards in schools following a rise in fire incidents reported in learning institutions across the country.
Ms Kwamboka expressed concern over what she termed as lax enforcement of safety regulations in both public and private schools, saying the lives of learners remain at risk.
She said school administrators and education stakeholders must prioritize the safety of students by ensuring that schools are equipped with proper firefighting equipment, emergency exits and disaster response plans.
“It is heartbreaking that every year we continue to witness school fires that destroy property, disrupt learning and in some cases lead to loss of lives. Schools must become safe spaces for learners,” said Ms Kwamboka.
The lawyer urged the Ministry of Education and county governments to conduct regular inspections in boarding schools and ensure strict compliance with safety guidelines.
She noted that overcrowded dormitories, poor electrical wiring and lack of emergency preparedness were among the major causes contributing to fire outbreaks in schools.
She spoke following a fire tragedy that killed over 16 student in Nakuru Wednesday night.
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