NAIROBI, Kenya—At least 1,000 women inmates in Kenya will receive sanitary supplies under a new programme addressing persistent hygiene gaps in prisons.

The initiative, led by Keeping Girls in School in partnership with Pwani Oil Products Limited, is running from March to September 2026 and targets selected correctional facilities.

Beneficiaries will receive dignity kits containing sanitary pads, underwear, soap and other essentials, amid concerns that many inmates lack reliable access to basic personal care items.

Kenya’s prisons hold about 58,000 inmates, according to the National Council on the Administration of Justice, with women accounting for roughly 13 per cent—about 8,000 individuals.

Despite their smaller share, women inmates face heightened sanitation challenges, worsened by overcrowding. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows prisons operate at about 161 per cent of capacity, straining infrastructure and supply systems.

Health experts warn that inadequate access to menstrual products and soap raises the risk of infections and contributes to stigma and psychological distress.

The programme will also include menstrual health education sessions aimed at improving hygiene practices and reducing stigma within prison communities.

Advocates say such interventions are critical, particularly for inmates from low-income backgrounds who may lack family support.

The rollout reflects growing involvement by civil society and the private sector in addressing gaps in Kenya’s correctional system, even as broader reforms—such as efforts to expand inmate health coverage—continue.

Officials say improving access to basic hygiene products remains a key step in addressing health risks and restoring dignity for women in custody.