Why Taxing Sanitary Pads Doesn’t Concern Karen Nyamu

The proposed Finance Bill 2024 has sparked widespread concern among Kenyans due to the potential increase in prices of sanitary towels and diapers.

The bill suggests imposing an eco levy on imported finished products, while locally manufactured items would be exempt from this tax.

In response to these concerns, President William Ruto convened a Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting at State House Nairobi on Tuesday. During the meeting, held just before planned protests, President Ruto announced the decision to drop the eco levy from the bill.

Nominate Senator Karen Nyamu, one of the Kenya Kwanza leaders, was present at the meeting and shared updates about her participation.

By addressing these tax proposals, the government aims to alleviate the financial burden on Kenyan citizens, ensuring essential products remain affordable.

Nominee Senator Karen Nyamu recently joined other Kenya Kwanza leaders at a parliamentary group meeting held at the statehouse. She provided updates on her activities, noting, “Dissecting the finance bill at the ongoing Kenya Kwanza PG at statehouse.”

Following the meeting, Senator Nyamu shared additional photos on social media, captioning them humorously, “Mr. President akiniona tu lazima anienjoy ah 😄😄,” accompanied by laughing emojis.

However, her lighthearted post sparked backlash among netizens who questioned her stance on the Eco Levy, particularly regarding the affordability of menstrual products. One concerned Kenyan asked, “Umesema you do not care about pads prices juu unatumia tampons? 🤔🤔🤔🤔”

In response, Karen Nyamu addressed the comment on Instagram, saying, “@wanjikustephens hehehe does it mean if you use pads you don’t care about tampons? I use tampons yes! And that triggers some people.”

Her response continues to draw varied reactions from the public, highlighting the ongoing debate over the Eco Levy and its impact on essential products.

A user named Wanjiku expressed frustration, stating, “@karenzo.nyamu those pads and tampons are already highly taxed. These pads should be 100% free. Please join us in fighting for this cause.”

Nyamu also interacted with several other users who were dissatisfied with her response to Wanjiku’s comment.

User i.am_nyamkamba wrote, “You said you use tampons, wow! Let me report this account immediately,” to which Karen replied.

Below are more reactions from Kenyans challenging Karen on her stance:

User karenzo.nyamu replied to i.am_nyamkamba, saying, “Yes, I use tampons, lol. Do you think they’re exempt from the import tax? 🤦🏽‍♀️😅😅”

User dan_isuzu_truckske commented, “@karenzo.nyamu 😂😂we should calm down,” to which Karen responded, “Calm your tirries, yeah 😅”

User winniemurigi added, “It’s the audacity for me, madam. I use tampons,” to which Karen replied, “But I do, and they’re all taxed the same, right? 🤭”