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PS Public Health Mary Muthoni said persisting challenges necessitate sustained support and improvement efforts towards menstrual hygiene.
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Research conducted in 2016 by the ministry highlights significant challenges faced by Kenyan girls and women regarding menstrual health and hygiene
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The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing menstrual health and hygiene nationwide.
PS Public Health Mary Muthoni on Tuesday said persisting challenges necessitate sustained support and improvement efforts towards menstrual hygiene.
Muthoni was speaking during the commemoration of this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day.
This year's theme, 'Making Kenya Period-Friendly,' underlines the imperative of ensuring every woman and girl can manage menstruation with dignity and safety.
"Research conducted in 2016 by the ministry highlights significant challenges faced by Kenyan girls and women regarding menstrual health and hygiene," Muthoni said.
According to the PS, key findings included limited access to menstrual hygiene products.
The study found that 46 per cent of girls and women rely on disposable pads with 54 per cent of Kenyan girls having challenges accessing menstrual hygiene products.
This has been associated with risky sexual behaviour with some resorting to to unsafe methods or engaging in transactional sex to acquire them.
It was also found that poor Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) conditions in schools have made the situation worse, affecting girls' attendance.
"Despite efforts, including the provision of sanitary pads in schools, more than half of menstruating Kenyan girls and women (65 per cent) still lack sustainable access to safe menstrual products," the PS said.
She said the government has put in place a three-pronged approach towards enhancing menstrual health.
These include advocating for safe and hygienic management, breaking the silence and safe reuse and disposal procedures.
"We have made significant strides in providing accurate information on menstruation and promoting affordable access to quality menstrual products and sanitation facilities," Muthoni said.
She said the government has made progress in providing accurate information on menstruation to dispel myths and taboos.
This, she said has been done by developing and launching a menstrual hygiene management teachers's handbook to support the topic in primary schools.
"Sustainable menstrual waste management practices have been implemented through initiatives such as the Epuka Uchafu Campaign," she added.
She said crucial partnerships with organisations like USAID, Amref, and UNICEF have supported county-level implementation of the MHM policy.
Muthoni has called on organisations and implementers to support county-level implementation of the MHM Policy and advocate for its full implementation by the National Government.
She said the ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an enabling environment where every woman and girl can manage menstruation with dignity and safety.
She noted that the ministry envisions a future where menstruation is not a barrier to education, health or empowerment.
Kenya launched its Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Policy in May 2020, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, marking significant progress in integrating MHM into various government initiatives.