By Andrew Mbuva.
Benjamin Wambua, the Makueni National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) Coordinator, has reaffirmed the fund's commitment to improving girls' education through the distribution of free sanitary pads across the county.
Speaking during the launch of the sanitary pads distribution exercise in Kathonzweni Sub-county, Wambua said the programme is spearheaded by Makueni Woman Representative and NGAAF Patron Rose Museo, who has procured 231,000 sanitary pads to benefit school-going girls across the county.
He said each beneficiary will receive three packets of sanitary pads to help ensure they attend school consistently without interruptions caused by menstrual health challenges.
Wambua praised Museo for prioritizing the welfare of girls, noting that the initiative is aimed at reducing absenteeism and ensuring that no learner is left behind because of a lack of menstrual hygiene products.
"We want every girl to remain in school and achieve her dreams. This programme is part of our commitment to ensuring equal learning opportunities for both boys and girls," he said.
He revealed that the distribution exercise will be conducted every quarter to guarantee a steady supply of sanitary pads to learners throughout the year.
Wambua also called on teachers to ensure the sanitary pads are properly managed and reach the intended beneficiaries. At the same time, he urged schools to remain vigilant in protecting children from sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation.
"As we work to keep girls in school, we must also ensure they are safe within the learning environment," he said.
He encouraged learners to remain focused on their education, saying they are the future leaders of the country.
In Kathonzweni Sub-county alone, Wambua said all 95 public primary schools offering Grades Four to Nine will benefit from the programme, adding that no eligible school has been left out.
A beneficiary teacher, Rosina Muya of Kathonzweni HGM Special Unit Comprehensive School, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major boost to girls' education.
Muya said the school's 135 girls will directly benefit from the programme, enabling them to attend classes consistently even during their menstrual periods.
She thanked Rose Museo for championing the initiative, saying it would restore the confidence of many girls and improve their academic performance.
"The girls are excited because they now know they will not have to miss school during their menstrual cycle. This support will help them stay in class and concentrate on their studies," she said.
She expressed optimism that the programme would have a lasting impact on the education and well-being of girls across Makueni County while calling for its continued implementation.
