Record Distribution of Sanitary Towels to JSS Teachers and Students in Busia County’s Teso North Sub-County

Teso North Sub-county has received an unprecedented 72,000 packs of sanitary towels from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF). This substantial allocation, which occurred from Tuesday to Thursday this week, represents the largest distribution of sanitary products in Busia County.

The distribution exercise, presided over by Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, took place at Amagoro Primary School. Omanyo announced that Busia County is leading in the distribution efforts among the county’s eight sub-counties. This initiative aims to provide essential hygiene supplies to both Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) and day secondary schools, as well as the teachers who play a critical role in the students’ education and well-being.

The NGAAF allocated Ksh10 million for the procurement of these sanitary towels. The impressive allocation to Teso North surpasses other sub-counties, including Teso South and Matayos, each receiving 57,600 packs. Other sub-counties, such as Butula, Nambale, Teso Central, Samia, and Bunyala, received 48,000; 43,296; 43,000; 41,856; and 27,000 packs, respectively.

Omanyo explained that the distribution was based on enrolment figures, which granted Teso North a notable advantage due to its larger number of schools. This allocation is designed to support students and teachers throughout the year, addressing the need for quality sanitary products. Many families in Busia County struggle to afford these necessities, often leading girls to use inadequate alternatives like rags. This initiative aims to alleviate such challenges, enhancing comfort and dignity for both students and their educators.

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Elizabeth Marangach, Teso North Sub County Director of Education, highlighted the region’s robust educational infrastructure, which includes 97 public primary schools, 47 private schools, and 32 secondary schools. Marangach expressed confidence that Teso North, which was ranked second in the recent Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), is poised to achieve the top spot in the upcoming Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

The three-day county-wide distribution, which concluded on July 18, 2024, represents a collaborative effort to support the educational and health needs of students and teachers across Busia County’s eight sub-counties: Bunyala, Samia, Butula, Matayos, Nambale, Teso South, Teso Central, and Teso North. This initiative is a significant step toward improving menstrual hygiene management and supporting the overall well-being of both students and their teachers in the region.