First lady Mrs Elizabeth Ongwae has asked the leadership of Kisii County to join hands and boost the girl child education in the county.
Speaking during the Girl Child education programme, a flagship programme under the office of the First Lady at Ibeno Primary, Ibeno ward, Nyaribari Chache Sub County she said education is the greatest equaliser for all children whether from a rich or poor background.
“I want to speak to you as the girl child. It does not matter your background. What matters is education. Thats why we have come to ensure that you do not miss school by providing you with all you need to be in school,” she said.
“I have brought a consignment of sanitary pads that will last you a whole year. My office has mobilised various partners to ensure this initiative is replicated across the nine Kisii sub counties,” she added.
She donated sanitary pads for 600 pupils of Rikendo, Ibeno PAG and Ibeno Mission primary schools which will last the students for a full year.
She urged the committee that organised the event to be prudent in usage of funds and sanitary towels donated to be able to benefit the pupils who skip school during their menstrual cycle therefore affecting their academic calendar.
Kisii Women MP Mary Otara counselled the children to observe abstinence from pre marital sex which leads to early pregnancies and increased girl child drop out from school.
Mrs Ongwae donated her personal 50, 000 shillings towards the kitty and urged the committee to ensure prudent usage of the money. Egesa FM presenters Doris “Donya Toto” Aburi, Lydia Nyaboke “Mokogoti” and Druscilla Obiero through their Smart Girl Foundation bolstered the initiative by using Radio to promote girl child education.
The team has mobilised funds and material support for initiative.
The Event was also attended by members of the Kisii County Assembly led by area MCA Alfred Ong’uti, Godfrey Nyamache (Birongo), Josephine Ombati, (Nominated) Tabitha Okong’o (Nominated) Joyce Isaac (Nominated), Lydia Okwoyo (nominated)and Nancy Ongeri (nominated) among others who said they are coming up with a Bill to address girl child challenges in Kisii.
