KAKAMEGA COUNTY FIRST LADY PRISCILLAH OPARANYA LAUNCHES A MENSTRUAL HYGIENE PROGRAMME

Kakamega County First Lady Priscillah Oparanya has launched a menstrual hygiene programme that will see needy school going pupils from select primary schools in Kakamega County access sanitary materials and other basic personal effects.

Speaking during the launch at Irumbi Primary School, Shirere ward, Lurambi sub county, the First Lady who is also a maternal health champion said menstrual health has become a major challenge among the young girls especially in upper primary classes, in some cases leading to drop out from school. “We are here to launch this programme that is aimed at finishing the shame associated with menstrual hygiene among our young girls across the County,’’ she said. Mama Priscillah added that unlike last year when only the girls benefitted, this year’s programme will see boys receive boxers and washing soap for use. Over 600 girls benefitted last year.

The county first lady explained that she initiated the programme after realizing that girls were performing dismally in national examinations as compared to boys due to the challenges related with menstrual hygiene. She thanked Lapfund and the Ministry of Health Services for supporting her cause and called on male parents to also get involved in development of their children.

Also present was a representative from Lapfund Mr. George Ochieng’ who assured the first lady of the their support, Rose Muhanda the GBV coordinator and Shirere Ward Administrator Mr. Tipo Mbai among others.