Governor's wife Margaret Gachagua launches menstrual hygiene programme for schoolgirls

NYERI COUNTY: Margaret Gachagua, wife of the governor, has launched a menstrual hygiene programme.

Speaking at the launch at Gatuyaini Primary School in Othaya, Ms Gachagua said the programme would see sanitary towels and underpants distributed to schoolgirls across the county.

This move is in line with efforts by the county government, which has set aside Sh10 million in the next financial year, to purchase sanitary pads and underwear for schoolgirls in the county.

"We appreciate the donations of sanitary towels but would urge well-wishers to include underpants because it is tricky for a girl to maintain hygiene during her menses when she has only one pair," she said.

MORE NEEDED

Deputy Commissioner Caroline Imaya echoed Gachagua's sentiments, saying without appropriate underwear, girls would not realise the full benefits of free sanitary towels.

Public Administration and Communication Executive Priscilla Wanyiri said sanitary towels would be distributed to girls across 333 public schools in the county.

Inter-Consumer Products Company Director Stephen Muchoki said it was unfortunate that over three million girls in primary schools could not afford sanitary pads yet the Government had been able to cater for only 600,000 girls.

Others present at the launch were Health Executive Charles Githinji and his Education counterpart Elijah Nguyo.