Margaret Kenyatta’s Beyond Zero, in partnership with the West Pokot County Department of Health, has concluded a three-day outreach programme in Kacheliba Sub-County, reaching 1,000 school-going girls with menstrual hygiene packs, health education, and life skills training.

Writing on X on Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Beyond Zero campaign has noted that it conducted the outreach from July 13 to 15 and it targeted girls from some of the most marginalised and underserved communities in Kacheliba. Beneficiaries were drawn from Kodich AIC, Tapadany, Kodich Catholic, Parasinda, Natemeri, Kawolok Junior School, Napitiro, Kodera Comprehensive School, St Paul Karon, Kaingeny, Sebur and Kacheliba Mixed Primary School.

“Beyond Zero, in partnership with the West Pokot County Health Department, has concluded a three-day outreach programme in Kacheliba Sub-County, reaching 1,000 school-going girls with menstrual hygiene packs, health education, and life skills training to ensure that menstruation does not interrupt their education,” Beyond Zero stated.

Help beyond menstrual hygiene

Beyond distributing essential menstrual hygiene products, the programme created safe spaces where girls engaged in discussions on menstrual health, personal hygiene, self-confidence, prevention of early pregnancies, and harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The initiative aimed to equip learners with knowledge and confidence to manage menstruation with dignity while remaining in school.

Speaking during the launch of the exercise at the West Pokot County Department of Health and Sanitation, County Director of Public Health Benson Chumakemer and County School Health Coordinator Everlyne Chepkemoi Lomongin commended Beyond Zero, under the patronage of former First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, for its continued partnership in improving the health and education outcomes of girls across the county.

Chumakemer said the programme has played a significant role in improving school attendance, learner retention and academic performance by addressing one of the key barriers facing adolescent girls.

“The programme has contributed to improved school attendance, retention, and academic performance by reducing disruptions caused by lack of menstrual hygiene support,” Chumakemer said.

Beyond Zero’s lasting impact

For the beneficiaries, the programme has had a lasting impact beyond the provision of sanitary products. Abigail Chelimo, a Grade Seven pupil at AIC Kaingeny Primary School, said the initiative had boosted the confidence of many girls, improved their wellbeing and strengthened their sense of belonging within the community.

She said access to menstrual hygiene support has helped reduce the shame and stigma often associated with menstruation, enabling girls to participate fully in school and community activities with dignity.

The initiative, launched in 2023, is anchored in the Beyond Zero Strategic Plan 2023–2027 and supports the implementation of Kenya’s Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy. It forms part of wider efforts to promote girls’ health, safeguard their dignity and ensure equal access to education regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location.

By extending services to some of Kenya’s hardest-to-reach communities, Beyond Zero continues to advance its mission of ensuring every girl has the opportunity to stay in school, thrive and build a brighter future.