The Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee has expressed concerns over the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill, 2024, suggesting its implementation could impose an additional burden on taxpayers.
Sponsored by nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, the Bill seeks to provide free, quality, and sufficient sanitary towels to women and girls in public institutions and correctional facilities.
Committee Chair Julius Murgor revealed in a report that the panel had received over 90 submissions on the Bill, most of which recommended its rejection.
One major criticism was the proposal to establish 48 county interdepartmental committees to oversee the procurement and distribution of sanitary towels, a move seen as creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
The committee also pointed out that the Bill overlaps with existing laws and policies, such as 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 primary and secondary schools, rendering parts of the proposed law redundant.
Another concern raised was the lack of clarity on the funding sources for the Bill’s implementation, leaving questions about its financial viability.
Senate to discuss amendments on the bill.
While the committee did not outrightly reject the Bill, it opted not to propose any amendments.
The Bill will proceed to a second reading in the Senate when plenary sessions resume next year, where lawmakers will decide its fate.
Proponents of the Bill argue that it is a crucial step toward achieving menstrual equity, while critics warn it could strain public resources and duplicate existing policies.
The debate continues as stakeholders await further discussions.
