This follows support from the Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama Foundation, which was officially launched over the weekend.
The beneficiaries, drawn from twelve mixed-day secondary schools across the municipality, received dignity packs containing sanitary towels, undergarments, pens, soap, toothpaste, and other personal items critical for their comfort and hygiene.
"Today, we are gathered not as politicians, not as competitors, but as leaders with one common mission—to stand in unity for the dignity and success of our children," said Ms Janerose Mutama, the patron of the foundation.
The Trans Nzoia County education executive committee member noted that the dignity packs are more than just physical items—they represent hope, confidence, and belonging for the candidates.
"We are telling them: you are not forgotten, you are not alone, and you have every reason to walk into the exam room with your head held high," she added.
She said she conceived the initiative following findings from the county's Ukombozi Elimu bursary program, which revealed that while bursaries helped offset school fees, many students—especially those in day schools—lacked basic personal necessities.
"While we were giving bursaries, we realised school fees are not their only challenge. They were not comfortable in school because they lacked personal effects—including sanitary towels for girls and boxers for boys," Mutama explained, drawing from her experience as a former teacher.
The Dignity Pack Drive is part of a broader education equity strategy by the county, aimed at ensuring that no student is left behind—not because of academic ability, but because of poverty.
The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Woman Representative Patricia Melisa emphasized the importance of sanitary hygiene for girls, warning of the dire consequences when it is neglected.
"We have heard cases where bright but needy girls have dropped out of school after being exploited by heartless men. Our girls should not have to choose between dignity and education," she said, calling for a multi-sectoral approach to safeguard girls' rights.
Kimimini parliamentary aspirant Joseph Vidinyu, a community elder and education advocate, echoed the call, urging the national government to establish a dedicated budget line for sanitary towels, noting that many girls from low-income families still miss school every month due to lack of access.
In her address to the 100 student beneficiaries seated before her, Mutama had a clear message:
"You carry not only your dreams but also those of your families, your schools, and indeed the future of this county and the nation. Walk into the KCSE exams with confidence, knowing that your community stands firmly behind you."
She also confirmed that the next phase of the Dignity Pack Drive will expand to cover other sub-counties within Trans Nzoia, especially targeting mixed-day secondary schools where students are often most in need.