The water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of women in drought stricken regions are not being met.
This is according to a report by Plan International and Concern Worldwide on the Rapid Gender Needs Analysis in Kwale and Marsabit counties.
The report says that over 40 per cent of women of reproductive age in the counties do not have their menstrual needs met.
"Access to water source takes more than 60 minutes a trip for 60 per cent of the respondents," it read.
They also found that the duration for each trip to fetch water is rapidly increasing proportionally with the increase in distance to a water source.
"Vulnerability levels also increase for both girls and women who take leading roles of fetching water"
"13.9 per cent of the respondents indicated that the journey to water points is not safe, especially girls and women who are prone to insecurity risks," the report read.
Clement Chesire from Plan International read the findings of the survey undertaken in September 2022.
He was speaking during International Women's Day celebrations organised by Plan and Kenya Model United Nations held at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri on Wednesday.
He said that soap, water, underwear, and sanitary pads were severely lacking.
"26.8 per cent don't have access to soap, 21.3 have no underwear, 19.7 have no disposable sanitary pads, 18.4 have no washing and disposable facilities and 13.3 have no reusable pads," he said.
Not only is there no water for hygiene but also, no water for drinking or cooking.
"Water was ranked number one on their priority list at 46 per cent, followed by food at 25.8 per cent and cash at 16.6 per cent," he said.
He said the survey, came out clearly that as a matter of priority, the youngsters need food, shelter, Education, healthcare, water, clothes, and sanitary pads (for girls).
"The older people, apart from the basic necessities already listed, need financial resources or engagement that allow them to access money to take care of the people under them."
"The disabled persons among them need special care and amenities," he said.
