By Erestinah Jane | July 1, 2026
The Kenyan government has officially signed the Nairobi Menstrual Economy Declaration, marking a major policy shift that recognizes menstrual health not only as a public health issue but also as a strategic economic sector capable of driving industrial growth, job creation and innovation.
The declaration was adopted during a high-level ministerial summit held in Nairobi on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with the government outlining plans to transform Kenya into East Africa’s leading manufacturing and export hub for sustainable menstrual health products.
Officials said the new framework moves the country away from a model that has traditionally relied on donor support and charitable distribution of sanitary products, instead focusing on building a thriving domestic industry capable of meeting local demand while expanding into regional markets.
At the heart of the declaration is a commitment to stimulate local production through targeted fiscal incentives.
The National Treasury is expected to introduce tax holidays, waive import duties on machinery used in the manufacture of menstrual products and maintain zero-rated Value Added Tax (VAT) for locally produced eco-friendly sanitary products.
Government officials believe the incentives will encourage investors to establish manufacturing plants in Kenya, increase production capacity and make menstrual products more affordable for consumers.
The declaration also places significant emphasis on empowering women and young entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry plans to expand financial support for women-led and youth-owned small and medium enterprises engaged in producing sustainable menstrual products.
These enterprises will be encouraged to utilize locally available agricultural materials such as banana fibres, bamboo and other biodegradable plant-based resources to manufacture affordable sanitary products.
Officials say this approach will not only create employment opportunities but also strengthen agricultural value chains by providing farmers with new markets for their produce.
Quality assurance is another central pillar of the declaration.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has developed comprehensive standards for reusable and alternative menstrual products to ensure they meet safety, durability and hygiene requirements while supporting innovation within the sector.
The government believes standardized production will improve consumer confidence and increase the competitiveness of Kenyan-made products in both domestic and export markets.
In a significant departure from previous procurement models, the declaration also introduces a policy aimed at strengthening local industries through government purchasing.
Under the new framework, sanitary towels distributed to learners under the government’s free school sanitary pad programme will increasingly be sourced from local manufacturers and startups, reducing dependence on imported products while supporting domestic businesses.
Officials say the buy-local approach will provide manufacturers with a stable market, enabling them to expand operations, invest in new technologies and employ more workers.
The government estimates that period poverty continues to impose substantial economic costs on the country by contributing to school absenteeism among girls, reduced workplace productivity and broader social inequalities.
By promoting affordable access to menstrual products while simultaneously growing local manufacturing, policymakers believe the declaration can help improve educational outcomes, increase women’s participation in the workforce and strengthen household incomes.
The initiative also aligns with Kenya’s broader green industrialization agenda.
Manufacturers are being encouraged to prioritize biodegradable and compostable materials instead of conventional plastic-based products, reducing environmental pollution while promoting sustainable production practices.
Officials say the transition toward environmentally friendly menstrual products will contribute to improved waste management across all 47 counties and support Kenya’s climate resilience commitments.
The Nairobi Menstrual Economy Declaration is expected to serve as a regional model for integrating public health, industrial policy and environmental sustainability into a single economic framework.
Government leaders expressed confidence that the initiative will position Kenya as a continental leader in menstrual health innovation while unlocking new investment opportunities, expanding exports and creating thousands of jobs for women and young people across the country.
