EMBU, Kenya- Parents of young teenage girls have been urged to step up support for their daughters by ensuring timely access to sanitary towels, in a bid to protect them from exploitation, early pregnancies, and school dropouts linked to period poverty.
Speaking at Urban Primary School in Embu West Sub-County during the official launch of the Embu County Sanitary Pads Program on January 20, 2026, Embu Woman Representative Pamela Njoki Njeru warned that lack of sanitary towels has pushed some girls into the hands of men who take advantage of them as they seek money or supplies to manage their menstruation.
“We have seen many young girls getting pregnant while still in school. These young teenage girls go out to look for men who can buy them sanitary towels because their parents cannot afford them. It is disturbing to see these girls’ lives cut short and their education stopped as they become young mothers,” Njoki said.
She urged parents to adopt a culture of saving small amounts of money to buy sanitary towels early, rather than waiting until their daughters are already on their periods.
“I want to urge mothers and parents of young girls: since you cannot afford to buy sanitary towels whenever they are needed, save money and buy them early enough. Hand them over to your girls in advance so they don’t go out looking for people to buy them sanitary towels. That way, you will save them from many dangers,” she said.
Njoki also called on parents to begin early counselling and to hold open conversations with their daughters about puberty, sexuality, and the risks of early pregnancy.
“It is shocking to see mothers being afraid of their daughters. Some mothers cannot discuss topics of sexuality with them and leave everything to teachers. Yet teachers may not cover everything. I urge all mothers with teenage girls to stop fearing your daughters and start advising them early enough,” she added.
The program was rolled out across the county at Kagaari Primary School in Embu East, Kigari Primary School in Embu North, and Siakago Primary School in Mbeere North, before concluding in Mbeere South.
The initiative aims to promote menstrual dignity, improve school attendance, and enhance academic performance by ensuring that no girl misses class due to lack of sanitary pads.
“These sanitary pads are more than just a health intervention. They are a commitment to keeping our girls in school, confident, and focused on their education. Keeping girls in school means securing their future,” Njoki said.
Girls from Grade 3 to Grade 9 in public primary and junior secondary schools were targeted, with each beneficiary receiving at least three sanitary towels. At least 38 schools from Embu West and 69 schools from Runyenjes Sub-County benefited from the program.
Distribution in Mbeere South took place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the final day of the two-day exercise. It was conducted through head teachers at Karaba Primary School and Nyangwa Primary School, ensuring that every public primary and junior secondary school in the area was reached.
In addition to sanitary pads, Njoki’s office donated mattresses, blankets, and foodstuffs to pupils with disabilities from the Jomo Kenyatta Home at Urban Primary School.
The Woman Representative thanked President William Ruto for allocating funds through the Office of the Woman Representative to support the program and help end period poverty.
“I want to thank President William Ruto for hearing the cry of young primary school girls who are entering their teenage years and providing money to buy sanitary towels for them,” she said.
Education stakeholders say access to sanitary pads is vital in promoting girls’ health, dignity, and regular school attendance.
“By supporting menstrual hygiene, we reduce absenteeism and empower girls to learn with confidence and consistency,” Njoki noted.
The countywide initiative covered Manyatta, Runyenjes, Mbeere North, and Mbeere South sub-counties, marking a major step in the fight against period poverty in Embu County.
