A section of headteachers in Kisumu have called for an increase in monies allocated for sanitary pads for girls in schools.
The government in this year’s budget had allocated Sh400 million for the provision of sanitary towels, an amount school heads say is not sufficient.
Speaking to this writer, Judith Owiny (Kirembe primary), Jack Galgalo (Bondo Kachola)and Hezron Opondo of Rabwao primary schools instead asked the government to involve private organizations to boost the allocation.
“The government allocates only Sh7,000 per school and at times gives us 22 to 33 cartons of sanitary towels per term, which is not enough for all girls,” Owiny.
“The initiative by the government was a good one, but it ought to invite more NGOs as what they provide cannot assist all girls,” added Galgalo.
The initiative on the other hand was highly praised by the heads, as it was said to have reduced the cases of absenteeism.
“The initiative has highly reduced cases of absenteeism, which we are proud of. With more allocation of sanitary towels, I believe there will be no cases of absenteeism in girls with reason being lack of sanitary towels,” added Opondo.