Murang'a: A Murang'a-born scholar and philanthropist, Dr. Kamau Wairuri, has launched an initiative to address period poverty among school-going children in Kangema Sub-County. On Monday, a team from Dr. Wairuri Foundation distributed sanitary towels to more than 500 girls and toothpaste and toothbrushes to over 1,000 boys from 12 secondary schools.
According to Kenya News Agency, the intervention aimed at both girls and boys seeks to improve hygiene and ensure uninterrupted learning as students prepare for their final examinations. Dr. Wairuri, speaking during the distribution, highlighted the motivation behind the support, citing numerous cases of girls missing school due to a lack of sanitary products.
Dr. Wairuri stated, "It's an embarrassment that we're still dealing with this issue of period poverty in this day and age. Girls should never be forced into risky alternatives or miss school because they cannot access these products." He further criticized the government's handling of the issue, emphasizing that it has a constitutional obligation to ensure no child is left behind.
The foundation is committed to providing menstrual hygiene products to schoolgirls for both the school term and holidays, while boys receive essential personal hygiene items. At Kanorero Secondary School, Principal David Wainaina expressed gratitude, noting that the support has significantly relieved many families. "On behalf of the Kanorero fraternity, I sincerely thank Dr. Wairuri and his team for standing with our needy students. These supplies will go a long way in ensuring that our girls remain in school and perform well in their exams," he said.
Robert Muthee, the Principal of Gakira Secondary School, echoed these sentiments and highlighted the deeper social issues tied to period poverty. "Some girls are being forced into transactional sexual activities just to afford sanitary towels. This exposes them to early pregnancies and infections. This support has given them dignity and restored their focus on education," he remarked.
Teachers across the schools visited emphasized the urgency of addressing period poverty, describing it as a crisis affecting academic performance and the future of young girls. Dr. Wairuri called for stronger government intervention, insisting that ending period poverty is not just a charitable act but a matter of children's rights and equal access to education.