Develop Clear Guidelines on Menstrual Hygiene, Kilifi Youths Tell Devolved Unit.

By PETER KOMBE Youths in Kilifi County have asked the county government to develop clear guidelines on menstrual hygiene terming it a critical challenge to most of the youths. They youths are also calling on for the domestication of the menstrual hygiene in a bid to address the challenges facing young and adolescent girls within the county. Among the challenges cited include among other limited county budget to ensure schools have gender friendly WASH facilities. “There I inadequate or no menstrual waste disposal options such as bins or incinerators, one of the youths who spoke on condition of anonymity said. The source further states that there is need for the county government to engage youths fully and meaningfully At the same time Connect to retain programs officer Kenfaith Karuta says a recent finding indicates that Kilifi County has witnessed an upsurge of sexually active young girls aged 9 years and above. “As an organisation we are coming up with evidence based intervention, so that we can craft age appropriate messages in order to empower young girls on sexual reproductive health,” said Kiruta. Meanwhile, a lobbyist who spoke on condition of anonymity said menstrual hygiene is a pertinent issue in Kilifi County. According to the lobbyist, MHM requires a multifaceted approach adding that gender and Sexual Health and Reproductive Health is a fundamental right as stipulated in various policy documents. “MHM requires a joint approach by the various actors,” said the source. Meanwhile Dream Achiever Youth Organisation Executive director Seif Jira says in partnership with the county government of Mombasa they have set up a youth friendly facility at Ziwa La Ngombe to address the issue of sexual reproductive health among young girls. He notes that the facility will go a long way in addressing some of the issues affecting youths within Mombasa County. Said Jira “Our aim is to link young people so that they can access sexual reproductive health services. Health and reproductive plays a pivotal role in the development of young people. On her part, Irene Mambo a youth from Moving the GoalPost in Kilifi county says most of the do not have a conducive environment for young girls. “Most of the WASH Facilities in schools such as the toilets do not meet the health standards as required by government,” noted Irene. At the same time, Lela Abdulkheir lashed out at Kilifi County saying it has not prioritised on menstrual hygiene. “Kilifi County has not put in place measures to ensure menstrual hygiene management is a priority,” The conference held in Kilifi County brought together youths leaders and lobbyists from both Mombasa and Kilifi county.