The Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee has raised concerns over the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill, 2024, suggesting its implementation could impose an additional burden on taxpayers.
The Bill, sponsored by nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, aims to provide free, quality, and sufficient sanitary towels to women and girls in public institutions and correctional facilities.
In a report, Committee Chair Julius Murgor revealed that the panel had received over 90 submissions on the Bill, most of which recommended its rejection.
One of the main criticisms was the proposal to create 48 county interdepartmental committees to oversee the procurement and distribution of sanitary towels, which many saw as an unnecessary bureaucratic layer.
The committee also noted that the Bill overlaps with existing laws, including the Basic Education Act and the Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy 2019-2023.
For example, Section 39(k) of the Basic Education Act already mandates the Cabinet Secretary for Education to provide free sanitary towels to girls in public schools, making parts of the proposed law redundant.
Another issue raised was the lack of clarity on the Bill’s funding sources, leaving questions about its financial feasibility.
While the committee did not outright reject the Bill, it chose not to propose any amendments.
The Bill will now proceed to a second reading in the Senate when plenary sessions resume next year, where lawmakers will determine its fate.
Proponents argue that the Bill is a vital step toward menstrual equity, while critics warn it could strain public resources and duplicate existing policies. The debate continues as stakeholders await further discussions.
