How Poor Sanitation Facilities in Kenyan Schools Undermine Free Sanitary Pads Provision

Poor sanitation facilities in Kenyan schools explain why the government’s free sanitary towels programme has not fully delivered on its promise of keeping girls in class during their periods. An upcoming Menstrual Health Hike led by the Educate a Rural Girl (EARG) Organization seeks to spotlight these ongoing challenges. Details of how you can join or assist attached below.

Many schools lack private, hygienic spaces for girls to change pads and dispose of them safely. This forces students to stay home or endure discomfort and embarrassment, undermining the policy’s core objective.

Esther Rukia dropped out of Form Two in 2023 from a mixed day school in Mathare, Nairobi. Even when pads arrived once per term, she skipped school on heavy flow days. Her school offered only basic latrines and a handwashing tank, with no dedicated changing or bathing area. Long queues made leaks a constant fear.

The Ministry of Education began distributing sanitary towels in 2011, mainly targeting public primary schools. Parliament strengthened the initiative in 2017 by amending the Basic Education Act to require free, sufficient and quality pads for every pubescent girl in public basic education institutions. Responsibility later moved to the Office of the Woman Representative under the Ministry of Gender.

Yet infrastructure shortfalls persist. A recent Usawa Agenda report on gender equality in basic education found that 46 girls share one toilet in public primary schools, against the recommended ratio of one toilet per 25 girls. Private schools perform slightly better at 39 girls per toilet.

Bathing and changing facilities exist in only 25.1 percent of public primary schools, compared to 42 percent in private ones. In secondary schools, ratios reach 38 girls per toilet in girls-only institutions and 35 in mixed schools. The Rift Valley and North Eastern regions show the worst figures at 43 girls per toilet.

Stephen Barongo, head of the Directorate of Primary Education, acknowledged the challenge. He called for making schools more girl-friendly through better facilities. Long toilet queues cause distress and lost learning time.

Real-world failures compound the problem. In January 2023, health officers closed Ogada Primary School in Homa Bay after latrines filled up. Sixteen latrines collapsed at Sukwo Primary School in Trans Nzoia. Many institutions still depend on pit latrines prone to overflow.

An Auditor General’s report from November 2022 exposed funding shortfalls in pad distribution. The ministry should supply nine packets per girl yearly, but often budgets for only seven. For 1,675,299 girls in classes 6 to 8 during 2021/22, required funding stood at Sh621 million while only Sh259 million was allocated.

Safe disposal remains another weak link. National guidelines require pedal bins in girls’ toilets and weekly incineration of used pads. Many schools have neither proper bins nor functioning incinerators.

Irene Yiaile, Secretary General of the Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association, blamed chronic underfunding. Only Sh23 of the Sh93.08 per learner capitation goes to renovations, toilets and maintenance. Schools frequently rely on parents, well-wishers or the Constituency Development Fund for upgrades.

These gaps persist despite clear policies in the Kenya Environmental Sanitation and Hygiene Policy and school WASH standards. Experts stress that without matching investment in sanitation, pad distribution alone cannot eliminate period-related absenteeism.

Regional and urban-rural disparities add layers of difficulty. While pad reach covers 85.2 percent of public primary schools, the absence of supportive infrastructure limits real impact. One upcoming initiative is the Educate a Rural Girl (EARG) Organisation Menstrual Health Hike 2026, led by Stella Mrugi.

The hike to Mt. Kenya (Lake Ellis via Chogoria Route) on 30 May 2026 aims to raise awareness and funds for sanitary towels for rural girls. Registration costs KSh 2,500, covering transport from Chuka Town and snacks, with proceeds directed to pad provision. Register here to join or support: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdio9QGuINktoC4DZhLfIu3V5v9df25M65hteTR_VbXQbFytw/viewform?usp=send_form

Contact 0713156630 for more information.

Without closing the sanitation gap, efforts to support girls’ menstrual health will continue falling short of their potential. Join and be part of the change.

Blessed day.