The roar of machines in Kasgunga Ward is the sound of dignity being restored. Homa Bay County has etched its name in history with the launch of the Galentine Care Sanitary Pad Factory, the first of its kind in the region. Governor Gladys Wanga, accompanied by the indomitable Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, presided over the opening of a facility that promises to end the shame of period poverty for thousands of girls.

"This is not just a factory; it is a freedom movement," Governor Wanga declared as the first packet of pads rolled off the line. For years, the lack of affordable sanitary products has been a silent crisis, forcing girls out of school and pushing women into unhygienic alternatives. The new factory tackles this head-on, producing high-quality pads that will retail for as low as Ksh 50—a fraction of the commercial price.

Manufacturing for Dignity

The initiative, led by founder Peter Omondi McOdida, is a masterclass in social enterprise. By localizing production, Galentine Care cuts out the importation costs that bloat prices. But the impact goes beyond the shelf price. The factory is a job creator, employing local women and youth in the production line, distribution, and marketing. It is an ecosystem of empowerment.

Millie Odhiambo, known for her fierce advocacy of women’s rights, termed the factory a "liberator." "We are tired of our girls missing exams because of biology," she stated. "This factory ensures that a period is a comma, not a full stop, in a girl’s education."

• The Product: The "Galentine Care Pad" is designed to be ultra-thin and leak-free, competing with international brands on quality while beating them on price.
• School Program: A portion of the production is earmarked for free distribution to vulnerable schoolgirls across Homa Bay, ensuring that no student is left behind due to menstruation.

The Homa Bay Model

This launch cements Homa Bay’s reputation as a county of innovation under Governor Wanga. From community health promoters to local manufacturing, the lakeside county is setting the pace for devolution. The factory is expected to scale up production in the coming months, with plans to supply neighboring counties.

As the machines hum in Suba North, the message is clear: Homa Bay is not waiting for Nairobi to solve its problems. It is manufacturing its own solutions, one pad at a time.