Sanitary pad shortages are forcing girls at Wasamo Girls Secondary School in Homa Bay County to hide during their periods, leading to absenteeism and educational setbacks. The crisis, exacerbated by poverty, stalled donor programs, and distribution challenges, highlights systemic failures in addressing period poverty in rural Kenya.
At Wasamo, a boarding school on Mfangano Island with 130 students, girls often disappear from class without leaving the premises. Teachers have learned to spot the discrepancy between classroom and dormitory registers, as students with no access to sanitary towels remain in their beds to avoid stigma. This hidden absenteeism underscores the intersection of gender inequality and economic hardship in the region.
The school’s principal, Florence Oyoo, revealed that up to 20 students from impoverished families miss up to eight days of school each term due to period poverty. Many of these girls, like 17-year-old Esther, rely on limited resources from guardians or classmates, who often cannot sustain their needs. Esther, who lives with a well-wisher supporting six vulnerable girls, described the emotional toll of hiding her menstruation to avoid embarrassment.
Esther’s experience is not unique. Her classmate Joyce, an orphan from Sindo, faces additional risks, including sexual exploitation, as she struggles to access pads. “I have met men who promised to support me in exchange for sex,” Joyce said. “The only thing that keeps me away is my dream for a better life.” These stories reflect the broader crisis of girls trading safety for basic necessities in a system that fails to protect them.
The government’s National Free Sanitary Towels Programme, intended to reduce absenteeism, has faced implementation hurdles. While Homa Bay Woman Rep Joyce Osogo reported distributing 100,000 pads in the last cycle, challenges persist in ensuring equitable access. Principals must collect supplies from Deputy County Commissioners’ offices, a process hindered by poor infrastructure, fuel costs, and safety concerns. “Some teachers tie bales of pads to motorcycles to deliver them,” Osogo said, emphasizing the need for improved last-mile logistics.
Despite these efforts, gaps remain. Homa Bay County Gender Director Elias Odinga noted that 2 million pads were distributed last year, with a new consignment arriving this year. However, the program’s success depends on timely delivery and awareness. “Girls start their periods as early as Grade Three, so preparedness is critical,” Odinga said, urging parents to stock up on supplies.
The crisis has also spurred local innovation. Peter McOdida, founder of Galentine Sanitary Pads, established a factory in Kasgunga to produce affordable pads, selling them in single units for Sh20. While the business initially supplied free pads to Wasamo, McOdida later shifted to a commercial model, criticizing the government’s lack of prioritization for menstrual products. “Sanitary pads should be treated as essential, like soft drinks,” he said.
Community leaders are also stepping in. Mfangano West Location Chief Kennedy Odari works to educate men about their daughters’ needs and collaborate with fishermen to combat sexual exploitation. “Some are unaware that their daughters require pads monthly,” Odari said, highlighting the cultural barriers to addressing the issue.
The school’s water scarcity further compounds the problem. With seven 10,000-liter tanks and one 5,000-liter tank, students often walk two kilometers to fetch water, facing risks like snake bites and unsafe encounters. “The girls bathe twice daily, but water is scarce outside the rainy season,” Oyoo explained, underscoring the interconnected challenges of health and education.
Donor programs, once a lifeline, have dwindled after U.S. aid cuts under former President Donald Trump. Formerly, organizations provided regular pad supplies, but the collapse of these initiatives left schools like Wasamo to fend for themselves. The school’s reusable pad-making program, which thrived during the rainy season, was abandoned due to material shortages.
Educators and activists stress the long-term consequences of period poverty. “Absenteeism feeds into poor performance and early dropout,” Oyoo said. “This isn’t just a health issue—it’s a human rights crisis.” The lack of access to sanitary products perpetuates cycles of poverty, limiting girls’ opportunities and stifling community development.
As the situation persists, advocates call for systemic change. “The government must treat sanitary pads as essential, not a luxury,” said Jane Anyango of Polycom Girls. “Local manufacturing can bridge gaps, but sustainability requires more than just production.” For students like Esther and Joyce, the fight for education continues, one hidden period at a time.
The crisis at Wasamo Girls Secondary School reflects a broader national challenge. With 2 million pads distributed in Homa Bay last year, the government’s efforts remain insufficient to address the scale of the problem. As the school and community push for solutions, the question remains: how many more girls will be forced to choose between education and dignity?
The story of Wasamo Girls Secondary School is a microcosm of the struggles faced by millions of Kenyan girls. Without urgent intervention, the cycle of period poverty will continue to undermine educational attainment, health, and economic empowerment. The path forward requires not only policy reforms but also a cultural shift to prioritize the needs of girls and women.
The lack of sanitary pads in Homa Bay is not just a local issue—it is a national emergency. As the government and communities grapple with the challenges of distribution, funding, and awareness, the voices of girls like Esther and Joyce serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of inaction. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of those fighting for change.
Despite the obstacles, there is hope. Local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and educators are working tirelessly to create solutions. However, sustained investment and political will are essential to ensure that every girl has access to the resources she needs to thrive. The fight for menstrual equity is far from over, but the determination of those involved offers a glimpse of a brighter future.
The situation at Wasamo Girls Secondary School highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address period poverty. From improving distribution networks to increasing funding and awareness, the path to equity requires collaboration across sectors. As the school continues to navigate these challenges, the stories of its students remind us that education is not just a right—it is a lifeline.
The crisis of sanitary pad shortages in Homa Bay underscores the broader implications for gender equality and economic development. Without access to basic necessities, girls are denied the opportunity to reach their full potential. The fight for menstrual equity is not just about pads—it is about dignity, opportunity, and the future of communities across Kenya.