By Aclan Agesa, Kakamega
Kakamega County First Lady Janet Kasilly has vowed to lead from the front to promoting menstrual hygiene and in end teenage pregnancy.
Prof Kasilly through her menstrual hygiene management and mentorship has maintained that menstruation was a normal and a noble function and therefore no one should be stigmatized or shamed.
“Instead of stigmatizing the girls, lets join the efforts of providing free sanitary pads to keep them in class,” said Kasilly
Kakamega reports about 12,900 teenage pregnancies annually and on average, about one in five (19 percent) of girls , aged 15-19 years (12.3 percent) in the county have begun giving birth according to Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 report.
She said that lack of access to sanitary pads by the girls has been among other the biggest contributor to teenage pregnancy in the county, saying they fall prey to those who pose to be helping them in return to sexual favours.
Kakamega reports about 12,900 teenage pregnancies annually and on average, about one in five (19 percent) of girls , aged 15-19 years (12.3 percent) in the county have begun giving birth according to Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 report.
The youngest girl to give birth in Kakamega County in 2022 was 13 years old. In 2021, 558 young girls aged between 10-13 years got pregnant in Kakamega.
Nationally, the KDHS report shows that 15 per cent of women aged between 15–19 years have ever been pregnant; 12 per cent have had a live birth, one per cent have had a pregnancy loss, and three per cent are currently pregnant.
“Menstruation is a natural process that signifies the reproductive health of girls who menstruate,” said Kasilly, adding ‘by normalizing and destigmatizing menstruation’ we can create a more inclusive and respectful society that supports menstrual hygiene and overall well-being of the girl child.
The First Lady was speaking at St. Francis Shiyabo Secondary School while distributing sanitary pads to the learners in Matungu Sub County.
She also gifted school girls from St. Christopher Shiyabo Primary and Junior Secondary School with sanitary pads.
“Menstruation is a natural process that signifies the reproductive health of girls who menstruate,” said Kasilly, adding ‘by normalizing and destigmatizing menstruation’ we can create a more inclusive and respectful society that supports menstrual hygiene and overall well-being of the girl child.
On academic performance, urged learners to concentrate on their studies in order to excel in their exams and achieve their academic goals.
“By concentrating on studies, there will be a reduction in vices like teen pregnancy and others. Keeping the young learners engaged in productive activities can also provide them with required knowledge and future-oriented mindset,” said Prof Kasilly
At the same time, she called on the boys to be their sisters’ keepers by respecting their boundaries, treating them with kindness and equality and by standing up against any form of harassment or discrimination they may face.
She called upon the teachers and parents to be role models to their girls since they have a significant influence on the learners.
“By exhibiting positive behavior, values and attributes, they can inspire and guide the learners towards becoming responsible and successful people in the society,” said Kasilly
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