In Kenya, menstrual health remains one of the most pressing yet often overlooked sustainability issues. While progress has been made, such as the government’s distribution of sanitary pads in schools, an estimated 65% of women and girls still struggle to afford sanitary products. Even for those who can afford this ‘luxury’, we have seen prices for products skyrocket over the past few years. This gap forces many to rely on unsafe alternatives, such as rags, mattress stuffing, and even newspapers, especially for those who cannot afford it. The consequences are not just physical health risks, but also absenteeism from school, diminished self-esteem, and the perpetuation of inequality.

The environmental impact of sanitary products is significant but often ignored. Producing a single disposable pad consumes the equivalent of three plastic carrier bags, and once discarded, most are burned, releasing harmful gases into the atmosphere, or dumped in open landfills. In Kenya alone, thousands of tonnes of used pads are disposed of each year, mostly made from non-biodegradable plastics that can take hundreds of years to break down. This waste clogs sewer systems, pollutes rivers, and strains already overwhelmed waste management systems in both urban and rural areas. Beyond environmental damage, the cycle highlights a deeper sustainability issue: how everyday necessities, if not rethought, can lead to long-term costs for people, communities, and the planet.

Inexpensive Innovation

Sustainable menstrual innovations, such as Natasha Jamal’s Mahina reusable panties, are designed to last for hundreds of washes without losing their effectiveness. Unlike single-use pads, which are costly and produce waste after each use, they offer durability, comfort, and affordability all in one. They address two urgent challenges: the immediate need for long-term, dignified solutions to period poverty, and the equally urgent need to reduce the vast amounts of menstrual waste that burden our environment. For a schoolgirl in Kisumu or Nairobi, this could mean uninterrupted attendance for years, breaking the cycle of missed lessons that hinder so many girls. For her family, it could mean money saved each month, which can be redirected towards food, books, or other essentials. And for her community, it signifies cleaner surroundings, fewer blocked drains, and a visible shift towards responsible consumption.

Across Kenya, grassroots organisations and social enterprises have started advancing this idea by producing and distributing reusable pads and underwear locally. These programmes are often paired with practical training that equips women with skills in tailoring, business, and leadership, turning what was once a source of stigma into a platform for empowerment. This model is more than sustainable; it is dignified, inclusive, and scalable. It transforms a private challenge into an opportunity for social enterprise and environmental protection, demonstrating that innovation can originate from the ground up.

The ripple effects of this movement are far-reaching. By keeping girls in school, reusable menstrual products help unlock education outcomes, delay early marriages, and expand future opportunities. By creating local production hubs, they stimulate small-scale industries, build skills, and provide stable incomes for women. By reducing plastic waste, they align with Kenya’s broader environmental agenda, complementing the country’s leadership in renewable energy, waste reduction, and green finance.

As Kenya continues to champion sustainability across multiple fronts, from solar-powered homes to eco-friendly banking, the conversation must also include menstrual health. Too often overlooked in policy and sustainability discussions, access to safe, affordable, and eco-friendly menstrual products is a fundamental aspect of social equity. It is about ensuring that no girl has to choose between her dignity and her education, and no community has to sacrifice its environment for the sake of necessity.