An Unforgettable Experience for 700 Girls in Murang’a As MKU Visits With More Than Just Advice

More than 700 students at Kaharo Girls High School in Murang’a County benefited from a career mentorship and menstrual health awareness programme organised by Mount Kenya University (MKU) College of Health Sciences, bringing together alumni, staff and students in a powerful demonstration of community service and youth empowerment.

The outreach event, held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, was part of activities marking World Menstrual Health Day 2026 and aimed at inspiring learners to pursue their academic and career aspirations while promoting menstrual health and dignity among adolescent girls.

The MKU delegation was warmly received by the school's Principal, Mrs. Veronica Kihonge, who praised the initiative, noting that mentorship programmes play a critical role in helping young people make informed decisions about their education and future careers.

“This is a valuable opportunity for our students to learn from people who have successfully walked the academic journey before them. Such engagements help broaden their perspective and motivate them to work harder towards achieving their dreams,” she said.

The visit generated excitement among the students as members of the MKU team introduced themselves, shared their educational backgrounds and narrated their personal academic and career journeys. The interaction exposed the learners to a wide range of professions and educational pathways, giving them a clearer picture of opportunities available beyond secondary school.

The keynote address was delivered by MKU Director of Alumni Relations, Ms. Virginiah Kinankau, who challenged the students to remain focused on their goals and pursue excellence in all aspects of life.

Using the acronym DREAM, she encouraged the learners to embrace values that would help them succeed both academically and personally.

She urged them to be:

•  D – Diligent and Disciplined

•  R – Reach for Excellence

•  E – Embrace Opportunities

•  A – Adopt a Positive Attitude

•  M – Make a Difference

“Success does not come by chance. It is achieved through hard work, discipline, resilience and a willingness to keep learning and growing. Dream big, believe in yourselves and remain committed to your goals,” Ms. Kinankau told the students.

The learners also participated in an interactive career guidance session where they received detailed information on various professions, university courses, entry requirements and career pathways. The discussions allowed students to ask questions and gain practical insights into the steps required to pursue their preferred careers.

As part of the World Menstrual Health Day celebrations, the students were taken through a comprehensive menstrual health and period safety education session.

Facilitators emphasised the importance of maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation, eating a balanced diet and prioritizing self-care. They encouraged the girls to view menstruation as a normal biological process and to approach it with confidence and dignity.

The session also sought to break myths and stigma surrounding menstruation, while empowering the learners with knowledge on how to manage their menstrual health safely and effectively.

The highlight of the event came when all 700 students received two packets of sanitary towels each. The donation is expected to play a significant role in supporting menstrual hygiene management and reducing challenges that often affect girls' attendance and participation in school activities.

Students expressed their gratitude for the support, saying the donation would help them manage their menstrual health with confidence and without interruption to their studies.

The outreach programme reaffirmed Mount Kenya University's commitment to mentorship, community service and youth empowerment, while demonstrating the institution's continued efforts to support education, health awareness and the well-being of young people.

By combining career mentorship with practical health support, the initiative left a lasting impact on the learners and further strengthened the relationship between the university and the local community.