Kenya
Stories from change-makers in Kenya
For girls like Jacinta, living in densely populated settlements, menstrual hygiene management is difficult.
Buying pads is a challenge, but many also have to pay to access the bathrooms, with most facilities in the area charging 15 cents.
For girls like Jacinta, living in densely populated settlements, menstrual hygiene management is difficult. Buying pads is a challenge, but many also have to pay to access the bathrooms, with most facilities in the area charging 15 cents.
“We wash only once a day or not at all because of the expense that come with washing two or three times a day," Jacinta says. "Having to pay for the bathroom services as well as buying sanitary towels is a financial strain for many of us."
Families living in the informal settlements struggle to make ends meet, and life has become even more difficult since the pandemic. The choice between putting food on the table and accessing washing facilities and menstrual pads means that often girls have to go without adequate sanitation amenities.
As part of our response to COVID-19, Plan International’s Safe and Inclusive Cities project now includes an initiative called Shower for Girls, which pays for girls to access bathroom services in the settlements.
“The gesture that Plan International has shown to us has greatly eased our burden," says Jacinta. "We are able to use the bathroom more than once a day and this is a huge relief. My menstrual hygiene was at stake and this was the case for many other girls. This project has saved us from mockery and shame."
Help girls like Jacinta stay safe and healthy
For girls like Jacinta, living in densely populated settlements, menstrual hygiene management is difficult. Buying pads is a challenge, but many also have to pay to access the bathrooms, with most facilities in the area charging 15 cents.
“We wash only once a day or not at all because of the expense that come with washing two or three times a day," Jacinta says. "Having to pay for the bathroom services as well as buying sanitary towels is a financial strain for many of us."
Families living in the informal settlements struggle to make ends meet, and life has become even more difficult since the pandemic. The choice between putting food on the table and accessing washing facilities and menstrual pads means that often girls have to go without adequate sanitation amenities.
As part of our response to COVID-19, Plan International’s Safe and Inclusive Cities project now includes an initiative called Shower for Girls, which pays for girls to access bathroom services in the settlements.
“The gesture that Plan International has shown to us has greatly eased our burden," says Jacinta. "We are able to use the bathroom more than once a day and this is a huge relief. My menstrual hygiene was at stake and this was the case for many other girls. This project has saved us from mockery and shame."
Quline is proudly challenging traditional gender stereotypes and taking on a male-dominated industry in Kenya.
Here’s her experience, in her own words:
I come from a family of three children and am the last-born of them. I was raised by a single parent after my father passed away when I was very young. As a young girl, growing up in slum has not been easy. I have gone through so many difficult situations. I could not imagine that one day things would change.
I joined the Plan International scholarship program immediately after I completed my secondary education. I was enrolled in a six-month training course and did the theory work during the first three months and now I am finishing a three months placement.
I have gained a lot of experience, and at the same time I have learned many new things. I now have the knowledge to service a machine, start it up and shut it down, and I know the precautions to take when handling a machine. I know how to use grinders, drills and how to repair them. For sure, this is a dream come true.
My mum is so proud of me. I remember one time we had an electrical problem at home. My mum was worried about what to do, as at that time she did not have the money to call an electrician. When I told her I would fix it, she could not believe it. I fixed the issue with the knowledge I had learned from school. She was very happy and truly proud of me. I would like to advance my career further and become an electrical engineer.
Help girls challenge gender stereotypes
I come from a family of three children and am the last-born of them. I was raised by a single parent after my father passed away when I was very young. As a young girl, growing up in slum has not been easy. I have gone through so many difficult situations. I could not imagine that one day things would change.
I joined the Plan International scholarship program immediately after I completed my secondary education. I was enrolled in a six-month training course and did the theory work during the first three months and now I am finishing a three months placement.
I have gained a lot of experience, and at the same time I have learned many new things. I now have the knowledge to service a machine, start it up and shut it down, and I know the precautions to take when handling a machine. I know how to use grinders, drills and how to repair them. For sure, this is a dream come true.
My mum is so proud of me. I remember one time we had an electrical problem at home. My mum was worried about what to do, as at that time she did not have the money to call an electrician. When I told her I would fix it, she could not believe it. I fixed the issue with the knowledge I had learned from school. She was very happy and truly proud of me. I would like to advance my career further and become an electrical engineer.
They grew up in a slum. That doesn’t mean they want to leave.
The experiences of girls and women in Kibera, Kenya — the largest urban slum outside of Nairobi — are equally tragic, maddening and galvanizing. Where inequality runs deep, so does strength and tenacity. Kibera shouldn’t be defined by its poverty. Kibera is resilient. And we’re here to show you that side of it.
Meet the brave young women fighting for their rights
Plan International has been working to improve children’s lives in Kenya since 1982.
Our work in Kenya
Office & operations
Plan Kenya’s country office is located in Nairobi, with program unit offices in Bondo, Homa Bay, Kisumu, Tharaka, Machakos, Kilifi and Kwale.
Technical areas
Plan Kenya focuses on the following program areas: health, sanitation, education, economic empowerment, protection and disaster relief management.
Number of sponsored children
As of June 30, 2022, people like you sponsor 43,009 children in Kenya through Plan International.
Gender equality is a fight we must all take on together. Through sponsorship, you can change lives and create long-term impact in communities.
The full circle of Fate
When you sponsor a child through Plan, you form an incredible friendship.
But that’s just the beginning. With Plan, you also have the unique opportunity to:
Send them birthday gifts and cards.
Give them special holiday presents called Little Treasures.
Subscribe them to Plan’s educational kids’ magazine, Sunny Days.
Arrange a visit (pending any travel restrictions), with individual travel assistance from us.
Each gift offering is safely hand-delivered by us, and given to your child with personalized cards from you. It’s likely that the child you sponsor will have never seen anything like these gifts, and with the exception of Little Treasures they’re available year-round to make the bond between you and your sponsored child even stronger.
Meet a child to sponsor