Kirinyaga: Secretary to the Cabinet, Dr. Mercy Wanjau, has assured Kenyans of the government's commitment to eradicate the shame faced by girls from deprived families during menstruation periods by providing sanitary towels to school-going girls and keeping them in schools throughout the learning sessions. Speaking at Mutira Girls' High School during the school's Education Day in Kirinyaga County, Dr. Wanjau emphasized that 'period poverty' not only stigmatizes but also hinders a girl's ability to participate in day-to-day activities during menstruation. Thus, the provision of sanitary towels acts as an equalizer to help girls maintain their academic pace.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Wanjau stated that this initiative is part of a global commitment by Kenya to support the empowerment of the girl child. The government provides support for sanitary towels across the Republic to address and bridge the issue of period poverty. She highlighted that the initiative not only levels the academic field for both girls and boys but also enables them to fully participate in national development.
The cabinet secretary further emphasized that education is a collective journey that brings together students, teachers, and all other stakeholders to build future generations and prepare them for leadership roles. She remarked, "Gatherings like this one are a powerful reminder that education is not a solo effort-it is a shared journey. When we come together like this, we renew our collective promise to nurture the next generation."
During the event, Dr. Wanjau commissioned a new dining hall at the school and reiterated the government's recognition of education as a powerful catalyst for transforming lives and the country. She encouraged students to develop not just good grades but also good judgment and wisdom, stating that education is about preparing them to make wise decisions later in life.
Dr. Wanjau also called upon alumni to support needy students, encouraging them to mentor and walk alongside younger students. She acknowledged the importance of secure and supportive environments for academic success, stating, "Your leadership and partnership help create the conditions in which excellence can thrive. When security is assured and education is sufficiently resourced, our girls are free to dream bigger and achieve more."
Mutira Girls' High School, an extra-county school founded in 1971 on land donated by the community, currently has a student population of 1,406 and 80 teachers. Dr. Eunice Njue, the school principal, noted the school's dedication to providing high-quality education, which has made them top in Kirinyaga Central for the last eight years. Last year, the school sent 292 students to university out of 374 registered candidates.
The principal also highlighted their success in cocurricular activities, with four students being scouted by the Kenya Sports Academy in conjunction with Talanta Hela for football and netball. She urged parents to continue supporting academic and development activities and to join partners like Equity Bank and Jomo Kenyatta Foundation in sponsoring needy students.
Kirinyaga TSC County Director, Catherine Lenairoshi, assured the school of a close working relationship to ensure they have an adequate teaching workforce.