Humanitarian groups call for zero taxation on Sanitary pads

They say this will help ensure girls are able to access the pads without financial constrains.

Rotary Club of Nakuru President James Yegon who is also the Director at Barut-based Soar Kenya Academy says the government should ensure no taxation on Sanitary pads.

According to Yegon, many young girls in rural areas are unable to access sanitary pads due to high levels of poverty.

He called on government through Parliament to pass a bill that will see zero taxation on Sanitary pads.

Yegon made the remarks on Thursday June 20, 2024 when he led a distribution of sanitary pads to learners from various schools who had congregated at Soar Kenya Academy.

The schools include; Soar Kenya academy, Kelelwet primary school, Kigonor primary school, Parkview primary school, Kiptenden primary school, Barut primary school, Kelelwet secondary school, Lalwet primary school, Keben academy, Ingoboor primary school, Mogoon primary school, Baringo primary school, Neisuit secondary school, Olorongai secondary school, Isinya primary school and Tumaini secondary school.

Others are Freehold primary, Venessa special secondary school, Lomaiyana primary school, Gilgil special primary school, Prison, Atebwo primary school, Chepseon primary school, Ngata primary school and Lelechwet primary school.

The sanitary pads were donated by well wishers from USA through HEART Africa that is implementing a program dubbed ‘Freedom For Girls’- a program that is aimed at ensuring retention of girls in schools even during their menstrual days.

Yegon lauded the donors for the continued support towards the same.

“We have reached more than 12 schools with the distribution of free sanitary pads and we are very grateful to our donors. We are also appealing to the Government that time is now for a bill to be passed that will see zero-taxation on sanitary pads,” he stated.

Sentiments e hoed by Rotarian Retired Colonel Raymond Cheruiyot.

Cheruiyot who is also in charge of young Rotarians in the Rotary Club of Nakuru, stated that girls have great potential and therefore menstruation should not be an obstacle.

He noted that with ease access to sanitary pads, girls can comfortably study and achieve their goals in life.

“We all have a role in ensuring our girls remain in school even during menstruation, and this can only be achieved through access to pads,” stated Cheruiyot.

Teachers who turned up for the event lauded Rotary Club of Nakuru and other donors, well wishers for stepping in for the girls especially in rural areas.

Led by Regina Kamau- Principal Kelelwet Secondary School, she noted that most girls come from needy families and access to the pads becomes difficult.

Lack of access to the pads, she noted that leads to most girls miss school during their menstrual days.

“Most girls come from needy families that accessing sanitary pads is also a challenge. So we are very grateful for the program that Rotary Club of Nakuru and other donors are doing in ensuring our girls are in school,” she said.

Sentiments echoed by Monica Mwangi- Deputy Headteacher Kelelwet Primary School.

She noted that with the assistance of free sanitary pads, then the impact shall be felt even in the girls’ performance.

During the event, the girls were also taken through the Menstrual Hygiene Management training.

Speaking during the event, the girls lauded the Rotary Club of Nakuru for the gesture.

Led by Naomi Chebet, they noted that the training on Menstrual Hygiene Management has been of great help to them in handling the same.

On her part Shanice Quinter from Soar Kenya Academy states that lack of access of sanitary pads has had negative impact on girl child among them missing school during the Menstrual days.

However, with the donation, the girls gain confidence and impact positively on their studies.

“When we have the sanitary pads, we fell much comfortable and confident and even perform better,” she said.

It should be noted that the donors through HEART Africa continues to serve various schools in Nakuru and Baringo Counties.