School heads and education officials in Kisumu have raised concerns over the growing number of girls missing classes due to a lack of sanitary towels, saying the challenge continues to contribute to absenteeism and low confidence among learners in public schools.

Speaking during the distribution of sanitary towels to schools on May 20, 2026, in Kisumu East sub-county, education stakeholders said many girls still struggle to access menstrual hygiene products, forcing some to stay home during their periods.

Kisumu East Sub-County quality assurance and standards officer Tanu Shadrack said studies indicate that between 10 and 15 per cent of school-going girls miss classes because they cannot afford sanitary towels.

According to Shadrack, the situation not only affects academic performance but also exposes girls to stigma and low self-esteem while in school.

“This initiative plays an important role because it enhances the reduction of absenteeism in schools. When girls have access to sanitary towels, they become more confident, remain in school and are able to concentrate on learning,” Shadrack said.

The distribution exercise is being coordinated through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) in partnership with the office of Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga.

Programme rollout plans ahead

Kisumu County NGAAF Coordinator Timothy Nyandusi said the programme is expected to cover all the eight sub-counties in Kisumu County as part of efforts to keep girls in school consistently throughout the year.

Nyandusi said the exercise has already been conducted in Seme, Kisumu West, Nyakach and Muhoroni, with Kisumu Central expected to benefit in the coming days.

He noted that the office of the Woman Representative intends to make the programme sustainable by ensuring sanitary towels are distributed every quarter.

“We are going to do it every quarter to ensure girls have enough supplies that will enable them to stay in school,” Nyandusi said.

At the same time, officials defended the programme against criticism that it focuses only on girls, saying there are separate empowerment initiatives targeting boys, youth and women across the country.

The programmes include youth business support, women’s economic empowerment grants and interventions addressing gender-based violence.

Maurice Onono from the office of the Kisumu Woman Representative said the intention is to ensure no learner is left behind due to social or economic challenges.

School heads who attended the event welcomed the initiative, saying the lack of sanitary towels has remained a silent barrier affecting attendance among girls in many schools.

One of the female headteachers present at the event said the support would help improve attendance and give girls a better chance to focus on their education and future ambitions.

She urged stakeholders and partners to continue supporting menstrual hygiene programmes in schools, saying they play a major role in keeping vulnerable girls in class.