The Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee has raised concerns about the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill, 2024, arguing that its implementation would place an additional burden on taxpayers.
The Bill, sponsored by nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, aims to provide free, quality, and sufficient sanitary towels to women and girls in public institutions and correctional facilities.
In a report tabled by committee chair Julius Murgor, the panel revealed that it had received over 90 submissions on the Bill, with most recommending its rejection.
One of the primary criticisms was the proposal to create 48 county interdepartmental committees to oversee the procurement and distribution of sanitary towels, which was viewed as adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
The committee also noted that the Bill overlaps with existing laws and policies, including the Basic Education Act and the Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy 2019-2023.
It highlighted section 39(k) of the Basic Education Act, which already mandates the Cabinet Secretary for Education to provide free sanitary towels to girls in public basic education institutions, making parts of the proposed law redundant.
Additionally, the committee pointed out that the Bill does not specify the funding sources for its implementation, raising questions about its feasibility.
Despite these concerns, the committee stopped short of recommending the outright rejection of the Bill. Instead, it stated it would not propose any amendments. The Bill will proceed to a second reading in the Senate when plenary sittings resume next year, where lawmakers will determine its fate.
While proponents argue that the legislation is a vital step toward menstrual equity, critics warn that it could strain public resources and duplicate existing frameworks. The debate continues as stakeholders await further deliberation.
