The Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee has raised concerns about the Provision of Sanitary Towels Bill, 2024, citing its potential to burden taxpayers and create unnecessary bureaucratic structures. The committee, chaired by Julius Murgor, reported receiving over 90 submissions, most opposing the Bill due to its proposal to establish 48 county committees for procuring and distributing sanitary towels.
The Bill, sponsored by Senator Gloria Orwoba, mandates the creation of interdepartmental county committees chaired by gender executives and proposes the establishment of an interministerial committee at the national level. These bodies would oversee the provision of free, quality sanitary towels in public institutions and correctional facilities. However, senators noted that these provisions conflict with existing laws, such as the Basic Education Act, which already assigns this responsibility to the Education CS.
The committee also pointed out that the Bill lacks clarity on funding sources and product standardization, essential for catering to diverse needs. Despite these issues, the committee refrained from recommending the outright rejection of the Bill or proposing amendments, leaving its fate to be decided during the second reading in the Senate next year.
