Menstrual hygiene remains a critical challenge among the youths in Kilifi county who now want the county government to develop clear guidelines on the same. – By Ramadhan Kambi.
Speaking in Kilifi during a seminar, the youth have also called for the domestication of the menstrual hygiene management policy in a bid to address the challenges facing young and adolescent girls within the county.
Among the challenges cited include among other limited county budgets to ensure schools have gender friendly WASH facilities.
“There has been inadequate or no menstrual waste disposal options such as bins or incinerators, ” said one of the youths attending the workshop but who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The source further states that there is need for the county government to engage youths fully and meaningfully
Connect to retain programs officer Kenfaith Karuta said a recent finding indicates that Kilifi County has witnessed an upsurge of sexually active young girls aged 9 years and above.
“We are coming up with an evidence based intervention as an organization so that we can craft age appropriate messages in order to empower young girls on sexual reproductive health,” said Karuta.
At the same time, a lobbyist who spoke on condition of anonymity said menstrual hygiene is a pertinent issue in Kilifi County.
According to the lobbyist, MHM requires a multifaceted approach adding that gender and Sexual Health and Reproductive Health is a fundamental right as stipulated in various policy documents.
“MHM requires a joint approach by the various actors,” said the source.
Dream Achiever Youth Organisation Executive director Seif Jira said in partnership with the county government of Mombasa they have set up a youth friendly facility at Ziwa La Ngombe to address the issue of sexual reproductive health among young girls.
He said that the facility will go a long way in addressing some of the issues affecting youths within Mombasa County.
“Our aim is to link young people so that they can access sexual reproductive health services. Health and reproduction plays a pivotal role in the development of young people,” he said.
Speaking during the event, Irene Mambo a youth from Moving the Goal Post in Kilifi county said most of the schools do not have a conducive environment for young girls.
“Most of the WASH Facilities in schools such as the toilets do not meet the health standards as required by the government,” she said.
Lela Abdulkheir one of those who attended the event said the County has not prioritised menstrual hygiene.
“Kilifi County has not put in place measures to ensure menstrual hygiene management is a priority.”
