Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called for girls’ education and the urgent need for intentional budgeting for sanitary towels.
During the flag-off of a sanitary towel distribution at Kiamaina Primary School under her Tupange Kesho empowerment program, Njeri Maina vowed not to pass a budget that fails to care for women and girls.
“This year, we shall not pass the budget unless it includes a clear and deliberate allocation for sanitary towels,” she said.
Njeri argued that girls’ dignity and education must be treated as national priorities, adding that access to sanitary towels directly determines whether girls stay in school or fall behind.
Njeri Maina Call for Sanitary Towels in the National Budget
The Woman Representative called on leaders to treat sanitary towels as an essential education input, not a side issue.
Njeri expressed concern over recent budget cuts that have slowed progress on girls’ empowerment programs.
“It is very unfortunate that budget cuts in the last allocation hampered the gains we were making. The whole purpose of affirmative action is to represent key issues like this at the national level,” she noted.
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In addition, Njeri said that access to sanitary towels is about more than hygiene; it is about equality, dignity, and the future of girls, stressing that girls deserve to stay in school with dignity, without interruption, and without shame.
The MP was accompanied by Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murang’o, Embu Senator Aspirant Billy Mwangi, and other local politicians.
Njeri During the Summit on Youth Empowerment
Njeri Maina challenged young people to move beyond protests and channel their awareness into organized action and economic empowerment.
She described Kenyan youth as the most informed generation yet, but warned that anger without direction could easily fade without producing lasting change.
“You, the youth, are the most informed generation Kenya has ever produced, aware of the injustices in Kenya. Keep dreaming, still organizing, still questioning. That alone makes you powerful,” said Njeri.
Njeri urged young people to build cooperatives, form movements, and acquire economic power, saying true influence comes from organization, not outrage alone.
She also encouraged the youth to believe in their legitimacy, stressing that they do not need permission to lead or to demand accountability, as they are key stakeholders in shaping the country’s future.
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As part of the empowerment programme, Njeri Maina issued cheques worth between KSh100,000 and KSh300,000 per youth group to support business ventures across Kirinyaga.
She also highlighted a KSh5.8 million TVET scholarship programme funded in partnership with banks to equip youths with digital and technical skills.
Tupange Kesho Programme Impact
The Tupange Kesho Youth Summit, launched under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAF), will supply sanitary towels to all 200 Junior Secondary Schools in Kirinyaga County.
A total of 88,900 packets, equivalent to 1,108 bales, will be distributed to 19,725 girls, with each learner receiving four packets to support school attendance and hygiene.
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