top menu action banner

Menstrual Health and Hygiene

Date: 26 Sep 2025

Why Menstrual Hygiene Matters

Menstruation is a normal, healthy biological process — yet for many Kenyan women and girls, each month becomes a struggle.

High costs, lack of access, stigma, and inadequate facilities combine to create cycles of pain, shame, missed school, and missed opportunities.

Kenya’s Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Policy (2019‑2030) explicitly acknowledges that access to menstrual products, facilities, information, and safe disposal is a human right and a necessary component of dignity and gender equality. healtheducationresources.unesco.org+1

Globally, over 500 million women and girls lack access to menstrual products or safe facilities to manage menstruation. worldbank.org

In Kenya, studies show girls often miss classes, fall behind in school, or even drop out entirely during their periods a direct consequence of unaffordable or unsafe menstrual care. worldbank.org+2worldbank.org+2

High Cost of Menstrual Products in Kenya

In Kenya, sanitary products remain unaffordable for many family budgets. A multipack of disposable sanitary pads will set you back anything between KSh 70 and KSh 150 for the brand.

For many women, two or three multipacks are necessary for each cycle, and so the cost quickly adds up.

For low-income families, sanitary pads always rank last behind food and other essential needs. As such, most of these girls will end up with unsafe alternatives such as newspaper, rags, or tissues that are not only unsafe for use, but also unhygienic.

Statistics have further shown that many girls end up missing up to 20% of their school days annually due to a lack of access to properly made sanitary pads. That explains the urgent need for low-cost and sustainable solutions.

 

Using Menstrual Products

You can use a variety of menstrual goods to absorb or collect blood during your period, including sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear.

When using menstrual products, follow these suggestions in addition to the directions that come with each product.

  • Wash your hands before and after using the restroom, as well as before and after using menstruation products.
  • To properly dispose of old disposable menstruation products, wrap them in toilet paper, tissue, or other material before throwing them away. Do not flush menstruation items in the toilet.
  • Sanitary pads: Change sanitary pads every few hours, regardless of the flow rate. Change them more frequently if you have a heavy menstruation.
  • Tampons: Change your tampons every 4-8 hours. Never wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time. Use the tampon with the lowest absorbency needed. If you can go up to 8 hours without changing your tampon, it may be too absorbent.
  • Menstrual cups should be cleaned daily after use. After your period is done, sanitize menstruation cups by properly cleaning them before immersing them in hot water for one to two minutes.

 

Affordable Menstrual Hygiene Products in Kenya

Good news: There are affordable and safe sanitary products for menstruating females. Among the cheapest menstruation care products found in Kenya are:

1. Disposable Sanitary Pads

Disposable pads are also the most utilized sanitary products. They are easy to obtain, hygienic, and very convenient. Buying them in large numbers or investing in good quality at an affordable price is quite economical. 

2. Reusable Cloth Pads

Reusable cloth pads are machine washable, biodegradable, and with proper care their use can continue for months or years. They are more costly at initial purchase, but they save on the monthly expense of buying disposable pads and are a wonderful long-term investment.

3. Menstrual Cups

It is a small silicone container that one inserts inside the vagina to collect the menstrual blood. While its purchase price at first seems exorbitantly higher, it will actually save one thousand shillings in the end.

4. Period Underwear

Period underwear has absorbing panels that can retain menstrual flow without the use of other products. They are machine washable and reusable, which makes them safe and environmentally friendly. As much as they are not yet very common in Kenya, they are becoming increasingly popular with women who want affordable and reusable products.

5. Complementary Products for Comfort and Hygiene

Aside from pads and cups, supporting products also make menstrual hygiene easier and more comfortable. For example, Femfresh Feminine Wipes are affordable, gentle, and help maintain cleanliness while on the go. For women who experience period pain, pain relief options such as Ibuprofen 400mg provide effective and affordable comfort during menstruation.

You can get all these products from Pharmily Limited Kenya at an affordable price. With Pharmily, your risk of purchasing counterfeit products goes down, and your peace of mind goes up knowing your products are genuine and affordable.

 

Where to Buy Affordable and Secure Menstrual Products in Kenya

Affordability is only part of the equation—safety is equally as important. Low- or counterfeit menstrual products are unsafe for use. That's why licensed and trusted sources are the optimal places from which to buy them.

Pharmily Limited Kenya is a registered and licensed online drug store based in Kenya that has genuine sanitary products at very low prices. At Pharmily, as you order from them, you are assured:

  • Authenticity and safety – Every item stored is genuine and safe for consumption.
  • Convenience – Shop from anywhere and get your products delivered at your door.
  • Variety – Provision of sanitary pads, wipes, pain medication, and other health essentials.
  • Affordable pricing – Products at competitive prices for the needs of each girl and woman.

 

Budget-Friendly Menstrual Hygiene Management Tips

Dealing with menstruation doesn't have to be costly or stressful. These are some effective methods:

  • Buy in bulk – Buying several packs will save on long-term costs.
  • Choose reusable products like cloth pads or menstrual cups for long-term benefits.
  • Track your cycle so you can plan purchases and avoid last-minute spending.
  • Stock multipurpose care items, including pain relievers and feminine wipes for personal comfort and hygiene.
  • Always opt for safety as opposed to unsafe choices that will infect.
     

FAQs

1. In Kenya, which is the least expensive menstrual product?

Disposable sanitary pads are the cheapest short-term solution, but long-term reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups are substantially cheaper as they can be reused for months or years.

2. Are reusable pads and menstrual cups safe to use?

Yes, if well cleaned and maintained, they are safe. They are made with safe materials and are for long-time use and are therefore economical as well as environmentally friendly.

3. Where can safe and affordable menstruation products be found in Kenya?

You can purchase them at Pharmily Limited Kenya, a trusted and licensed online pharmacy that provides genuine products such as Always Ultra Pads, Femfresh Feminine Wipes, and Ibuprofen.

4. How do I maintain menstrual hygiene on a very tight budget?

You will save money buying products in quantity, choosing reusable products, and planning ahead of time when keeping track of your cycle. Under no circumstances should you use unsafe choices like newspapers or rags, as this will infect you.