Growing up in a poor family and seeing several girls miss schools during their menses inspired him to set a foundation that assists during such times.

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Mr Walter Omwenga, currently staying in the US, has been running The Walter Omwenga Foundation despite being miles away but has been closely monitoring developments back at home.

According to him, when girls from poor families experience menses, it at times lowers their self esteem and at times, such experiences keeps them out of school for longer periods.

"My experience growing up in Nyabioto village with sisters-Proven statistics of drop out due to lack, effects on lack of pads during menses on girls, low self esteem in relation to general standards," he said in a text.

Due to the arrangements made by the foundation, several girls usually attend schools something which could in the long run improve results posted by county schools.

Leah Gichana, a student at Machuririati secondary school, could not hide her happiness on Monday when the foundation donated several sanitary towels that will enable them sit for exams this month.

"Honestly, for me it's a big relief. I will be able to sit for exams this month. Some of us cannot afford pads and it's a big rescue," she said while acknowledging the contributions.

Mr Omwenga says that a group of friends help him run the foundation, with some other focus put on helping people living with disabilities and those from poverty stricken families.

"It’s run by a team of directors and officials inspired to rewrite what we’ve considered the norms for so long in our society," said Mr Omwenga.

Recently, a girl committed suicide in Bomet County after she was allegedly mocked by one of her teachers while experiencing menses in school.

And Mr Omwenga now wants the government to come up with policy which should make issuance of sanitary towels a basic need to all government schools.

"Government must do a policy overhaul and ensure that pads are part of the basic need as text books," he said.

"Teachers must be sensitized to support rather than chastise adolescents on menses, educate girls be cognizant of their biological development and be proud of it among many others."

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