The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Kenya, has launched a renewed call for urgent action to address critical gaps in menstrual health across the country.
In a joint initiative, the two organizations aim to tackle persistent challenges in menstrual hygiene management, particularly in schools where irregular supply of sanitary pads and inadequate sanitation facilities continue to undermine the health, dignity, and education of girls.
“If we truly value education and dignity, menstrual health must receive consistent funding throughout the year,” KEWOPA stated.
The association identified four key barriers hindering progress: lack of a dedicated budget, weak coordination between ministries, poor implementation of policies, and limited accountability. These gaps, KEWOPA noted, have left menstrual health promises largely unmet, despite existing legal provisions.
“Menstrual health is not just a girl’s issue — it is a household, community, and national concern,” KEWOPA emphasized. “Parents, boys, educators, and policymakers all have a role to play in the solution. Inclusion of girls with disabilities in program design is also essential. Anything less amounts to exclusion.”
Although Kenyan law mandates the provision of sanitary towels for schoolgirls, implementation has been inconsistent. KEWOPA warns that without proper budgeting, coordination, and oversight, this right remains out of reach for many.
To close the policy-practice gap, KEWOPA has committed to:
- Securing sustained and adequate funding for menstrual health initiatives
- Enhancing sanitation infrastructure in schools
- Integrating menstrual health education into the national curriculum
- Strengthening inter-ministerial coordination and accountability mechanisms
“Menstrual health is a right, not a privilege,” KEWOPA asserted. “No girl should miss school or suffer in silence because of her period.”
The partnership with UNFPA Kenya marks a significant step toward ensuring that menstrual health becomes a fully supported and enforced public health priority in Kenya.
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