Kenya's Sanitary Pad Taxation: A Menstrual Hygiene Crisis?

A group of peaceful demonstrators protesting against the Finance Bill 2024. Photo Credit: AI

The living room was filled with the soft buzz of the 7 pm news. As the anchor delved into the intricate details of the Finance Bill 2024, Bernice and her daughters sat in silent expectancy. "If the finance bill passes," the anchor broadcasted, imported sanitary pads will become significantly costlier due to the imposition of new taxes." Bernice's heart sank as she threw glances at her teenage daughters; Stacy and Talisha, knowing the ramifications this would have on their lives.

In Kenya, Menstrual Hygiene Management is already a big challenge. Many girls and women scratch their heads when the time of the month comes, often resorting to using unsafe alternatives like old blankets, rags, animal hides, and leaves. Not only does this endanger their health, but also distresses their school attendance. Can we afford to let our daughters miss school because they cannot meet the expense of imported sanitary pads, the likes of Always & Molped brands? This situation directly refutes SDG 3 & SDG 4, Good Health and Well-being as well as Quality Education respectively.

Can someone explain why nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba would go to the extent of putting up billboards all over the city, dubbed "Free Pads for all School Girls, Period, yet she voted yes to the Finance Bill 2024? Why would someone claim to combat period shame and poverty yet she unwaveringly supported the Finance Bill, unlike her parliamentary counterparts like Millie Odhiambo, Mishi Mboko, Christine Ombaka, Joyce Bensuda, and Naisula Lesuuda, among others who vehemently declared their lack of support for the Bill? Why would someone defend impunity in the name of protecting their job? As a strong-willed Gen Z, I am aggravated and concerned. What shall the girls do as the nation waits for local manufacturers to produce quality sanitary pads? Won't the locally manufactured ones be expensive because of the new fuel levy? Why would someone be oblivious to cardinal economics like supply and demand? Can the billboards make a difference except for making her unpopular among the people?

Kenya is full of leaders who come with surprises. Tell me why Karen Nyamu, a nominated Senator from the UDA Party, would not give a hoot about the inflation of sanitary pads, with the excuse of using tampons. Isn't she a lady supposed to be concerned with the proposed taxation even though she does not use sanitary pads? Fellow Gen Z's had the impetus of telling her to absorb the Finance Bill 2024 with her tampon. With her sentiments breaking the camel's back, this is a clear sign that she is an absolute realist, facing backlash, even as she suggested having negotiations with a tampon brand, Kotex, in the quest of providing free tampons in schools. Is the deal too good to be true, or it's a matter of clout chasing?

As the nation waits for 14 days to elapse, with the parliament being on recess, questions arise about matters exacerbating the imposition of additional taxes on essential MHM products. How can we promote Gender Equality- SDG 5, when about half of the population cannot access basic hygiene products? Gen Z has taken the world by storm as the journey to revolution was unexpected, as traditionally, it is the political leaders who lead demos, not the young, hence a notable shift. It is amazingly breath-taking how the power of social media operates among Gen Z. The "Occupy Parliament" and "Asalimiwe Strategy" have created a buzz even beyond the Kenyan borders, unshaken by killings and abductions, kudos to fellow Gen Z's, Amandla!

Access to sanitary pads is a matter of dignity and health, rather than convenience. Poor menstrual hygiene can negatively impact the reproductive system of menstruators, further straining Kenya's health care system. Furthermore, it perpetuates gender inequality, as girls who miss school due to menses lag in education, thus limiting their future opportunities. This directly impacts SDG 1 & SDG 10; No Poverty and Reduced Inequalities respectively.

Gen Z's in the anti-finance bill 2024 protests. Photo credit: AI

Nutrition also plays a vital role in menstrual health. Sufficient nutrition aids in maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle, yet a large number of Kenyan families struggle to put nutritious meals on the table due to financial constraints, making it even more difficult for families to afford both food and hygiene products. The acceptance of the Finance Bill would likely increase the constraints, making it harder for families to live normal lives in supporting menstruators. This contradicts SDG 2& 8; Zero Hunger and Decent Work and Economic Growth respectively.

As Bernice's family pondered over these subjects, the situation's urgency became crystal clear. The fight for MHM is not just about pads; but also ensuring health, empowering women and menstruators, and promoting gender equality. Shall we allow economic policies to stand in the way of these fundamental rights? How can we, as policy makers and change makers propel for a future where every menstruator in Kenya has access to the products they need to live healthy, dignified lives? Let's have a reflection for action, amidst the fiscal adjustments proposed by the IMF on the Finance Bill 2024, as we align our objectives with the UN SDGs for a sustainable and equitable future.