Senator Orwoba Tables New Bill That Seeks Free Sanitary Towels In Special Facilities
On Wednesday, the Senate held its first reading of the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill of 2024.
The bill proposed by nominated senator Gloria Orwoba calls on the government to provide free sanitary towels in all public institutions and correctional facilities.
This will include public schools, county government offices and institutions.
Furthermore, the bill proposes that the government establish an inter-ministerial committee on the distribution of sanitary towels to ensure that the plan is implemented.
The Inter-Ministerial Council will include representatives from various ministries.
The bill proposes that the government shall appropriate funds to the committee through the National Assembly, as well as other funds that may be donated or collected from different sources.
The Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill (Senate Bills No. 7 of 2024) by senator @gloria_orwoba has been read for the first time in the Senate. This significant piece of legislation aims to make a positive impact on menstrual health and hygiene#menstrualequity pic.twitter.com/CjQix036AU
— KEWOPA (@KEWOPA) July 3, 2024
“Monies appropriated by the National Assembly, such monies as may accrue to or vest in the Committee in the course of the exercise of its powers or the performance of its functions under this Act; and all monies from any other source provided for, donated or lent to the Committee,” the bill further reads.
The bill also states that the committee will be required to meet at least once every three months.
County governments will be required to reflect this at the devolved level.
The legislation outlines strict penalties for anyone who rebrands government-issued pads for resale.
“A person who rebrands or resales sanitary towels distributed by the Committee or a county interdepartmental committee commits an offence and is liable, on conviction Offences,” the bill reads.
A first-time offence will result in a fine of no more than five million shillings, three years in prison, or both.
Meanwhile, for a second or subsequent offense, individuals will face a fine of no more than ten million shillings, five years in prison, or both.
Senator Orwoba Tables New Bill That Seeks Free Sanitary Towels In Special Facilities
