The US government has donated 85,000 packets of sanitary towels to the Ministry of Education.
The donation which was received by Principal Secretary for Basic Education Belio Kipsang, complements the government's sanitary towels programme in retaining female learners in school during their menstrual cycles.
"The donation will help enable female learners in Kenyan primary schools to maintain menstrual hygiene, thereby learning without disruption," Kipsang said.
Gender and Affirmative Action PS Anne Wang'ombe who was also present during the occasion, said the donation was a symbol that the world is marking Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The world marks Menstrual Hygiene Day to break the myths around menstrual cycle.
This year's theme, 'Making Kenya Period-Friendly,' underlines the imperative of ensuring every woman and girl can manage menstruation with dignity and safety.
Kipsang thanked the US government for the support, saying it adds to Kenya's commitment to fostering an enabling environment where every woman and girl can manage menstruation with dignity and safety.
This comes even as the Ministry of Health 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.
"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.
