L-R: Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation CEO George Mulira, Vivo Energy Kenya Internal Communications & CSR Coordinator Tara Muchina joins Lugala Education Complex student Michelle Muhonjia and Head Teacher Oliver Okwara during the presentation of Dignity Kits at Shinyalu, Kakamega County.
Vivo Energy Kenya has strengthened its partnership with the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation by donating thousands of dignity kits aimed at improving menstrual hygiene, promoting personal dignity and keeping more learners in school.
The donation, made in Kakamega on August 3, marks the third year of the partnership between the two organisations.
This year's contribution includes 4,800 sanitary pads, 1,600 panties and 450 boxers for students at Lugala Education Complex in Kakamega County.
The initiative is designed to address a major challenge affecting school attendance, particularly among girls. According to the organisations, many learners miss classes because they lack access to menstrual hygiene products.
Schoolgirls without sanitary products miss an average of three to four school days every month, translating to nearly two weeks of lost learning every school term. Prolonged absenteeism also contributes to poor academic performance and increases the risk of dropping out of school.
Since the partnership began in 2024, the two organisations have distributed more than 10,000 sanitary pads, 3,487 panties and 1,204 boxers to adolescent learners. They have also provided soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes to promote personal hygiene.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Vivo Energy Kenya Communications Manager Angela Munyua said the programme aligns with the company's sustainability agenda.
"This programme is in line with our Sustainability Strategy anchored on our commitment to create solutions that positively impact the communities that we serve. We want every child to stay in school, especially girls who can miss school and see a consequently have poor academic results due to a lack of sanitary pads," she said.
Munyua also appealed to students to remain focused on their studies while encouraging other organisations and individuals to support the initiative.
"We encourage other well-wishers to join the cause and help us keep Kenya's youth in school by providing them with Dignity Kits," she said.
She added that the partnership seeks to "eliminate barriers in education, promote health education and create equal opportunities for girls and boys to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential."
Lugala Secondary School Principal Okwara Oliver said the annual donations have had a visible impact on learners, especially girls.
"The annual donation of sanitary pads and pants has had a transformative impact on our learners, particularly girls. We have seen improved school attendance, greater confidence, and enhanced dignity among students who no longer have to miss classes during their menstrual cycle," he said.
He added that the programme has created a more inclusive learning environment by enabling girls to participate fully in school life, resulting in improved attendance, higher completion rates and stronger academic performance.
Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation Director of Programmes Hannington Kimathi Khayati said the initiative forms part of the foundation's broader effort to empower local communities while supporting conservation of Kakamega Forest.
"For the past three years, Vivo Energy Kenya has played an essential role in enabling our foundation to have a year-round supply of sanitary pads," he said, noting that the programme has expanded from supporting two schools to 15 schools in Kakamega County.
This year alone, the initiative has reached more than 1,500 girls and 1,600 boys, with the foundation pledging to expand its reach in the coming years.
The organisations said the programme has also encouraged discussions on menstrual health, personal hygiene and life skills while helping learners remain in school, complete their education and build brighter futures.
