MP Njeri Maina: We won’t support budget that neglects women, girls

Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has said she will not support any national budget that fails to allocate funds for sanitary towels, emphasising that girls’ dignity, education, and health should be key priorities in Kenya’s development agenda.

Speaking during the flag-off of a sanitary towel distribution at Kiamaina Primary School on Friday, January 16, Maina described access to sanitary products as a structural issue affecting girls’ academic progress.

“This year, we shall not pass the budget unless it includes a clear and deliberate allocation for sanitary towels,” she said.

The initiative, launched under the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), aims to provide sanitary towels to all 200 Junior Secondary Schools in Kirinyaga County. A total of 88,900 packets, equivalent to 1,108 bales, will be distributed to 19,725 girls, with each learner receiving four packets to support school attendance and hygiene.

“If a girl misses school because of sanitary pads, how much more will she miss in terms of growth, confidence, and opportunity?” Maina asked.

She noted that recent budget adjustments had slowed girls’ empowerment programmes and called on leaders to treat sanitary towels as essential education resources.

“County Members of Parliament must prioritise sanitary towels. This cannot be accidental or symbolic. It must be intentional,” she added.

Senator Kamau Murang’o, Embu Senator aspirant Billy Mwangi, and other local leaders attended the event.

Later, at the Tupange Kesho Youth Summit, Maina urged young people to move beyond outrage and organise for political influence.

Referring to Gen Z as “the most informed generation Kenya has ever produced,” she said the country’s systems have historically limited youth access to economic opportunities and leadership positions.

“You are told you are the leaders of tomorrow, but today you are locked out. You are told to respect the system when the system does not respect you,” she said, encouraging youths to channel their energy into structured organising, cooperative movements, and economic empowerment.

“Anger without direction burns out. Silence kills dreams. Outrage alone is not enough. Economic power is the root of power,” she added.

Maina also highlighted her role in representing over 500 young people arrested during national protests last year, emphasising her commitment to supporting youth without discrimination.

As part of the empowerment programme, she issued cheques ranging from Sh100,000 to Sh300,000 per youth group to support business ventures across Kirinyaga County. She also highlighted a Sh5.8 million TVET scholarship programme, funded in partnership with banks, to provide youths with digital and technical skills.

In her closing remarks, Maina urged young people to actively participate in Kenya’s political and economic future.

“You do not need permission to matter. You do not need validation to lead. You are not spectators unless you allow yourselves to be,” she said, encouraging youths to register as voters and use social media to hold leaders accountable.

“Let us build together. Let us canvass. Let us take over digital platforms. A generation that is informed, empowered, united, and fearless cannot be stopped,” she concluded.