There appears to be a significant shortage of tampons in Nairobi and various parts of the country.
Several tweets by Kenyan women on Twitter have sparked an online conversation, with more and more women coming out to confirm the reported shortage.
Apparently, the shortage has been on for several months now as some women reported missing the vital feminine hygiene product in their local stores and supermarkets from as early as October last year.
Some complained that the outlets stocking tampons had increased the price while others observed that they are slowly getting restocked.
The shortage has been reported mostly in Nairobi, and other major towns such as Eldoret, Malindi, and Kisumu.
A tweet by vocal feminist, Scheaffer Okore, opened the floodgates for dozens of women to hold a conversation online.
Here are some sampled tweets:
Is there a tampon shortage in Nairobi and I’m not talking about the mini ones?
— Scheaffer Okore (@scheafferoo) January 8, 2019
I went to multiple supermarkets last month to get some and couldn’t find them. Had to opt for chemists. So frustrating! SMH
— sly AF (@SlyWan_) January 8, 2019
That explains it. The shortage has been on for several months now.. Especially the OB super.. Anyway, moving on to cups.
— G (@atwirich) January 8, 2019
I noticed this in October when trying to get maxi tamps. It’s gotten even harder now to find them. Hakuna
— Mercy Wambui (@wabsnganga) January 8, 2019
Don’t know if this is the reason but …. could be:https://t.co/4F4HFDktQa
— Esther Sserwanga (@SserwangaE) January 8, 2019
Thank you… Was restocking in November and I got nothing but mini… I’m in Eldoret…
— Monica Angala?? (@Itsangala) January 8, 2019
Since last year around November.. ?
— rehema sheilla (@remysheilla) January 8, 2019
I have been complaining about this since Dec! OB super and Kotex super haziko ?
— Caliente (@Sphinx_jf) January 8, 2019
Not only in Nairobi .Have been looking for them for the last two months n can’t get them.
— Jacque Gucha (@Nikkiaura) January 8, 2019
Malindi
— Jacque Gucha (@Nikkiaura) January 8, 2019
Not only Nairobi, I combed Kisumu too!?
— Tina (@Tina28931550) January 8, 2019
Yes there is. Visited Naivas, Tuskys and Carrefour and I was still not successful.
— Jnerds.? (@Jackie_Nerds) January 8, 2019
I experienced the same thing in november (while in Nakuru) went to like 4 different supermarkets. It’s so frustrating
— Edith Gitau (@EdithGitau1) January 8, 2019
They are back, shortage has been there since late October…
— Felicity Shiro (@FlicShis) January 8, 2019
Not only in Nairobi but countrywide
— Phil (@ItsChomley) January 8, 2019
Not just Nairobi. Can’t seem to find them in Meru
— Mutahi (@mutahi_joyce) January 8, 2019
ARE THERE NO TAMPONS IN NAIROBI?!?!??+
— kioko (@Sherr_16) January 7, 2019
Kortex literally has no tampons left i was forced to get Tampax tampons and i hate that ish.
— Mami Chula?? (@Little_Ms_noOne) January 7, 2019
Sis, I thought I was the one going mad. There are only minis left.
— salty honey ? (@ItsNjambea) January 7, 2019
Even at the supermarket I went to today at Choppies (Commercial), the shelves with sanitary pads was basically cleared.
I just found a few of these pic.twitter.com/JmOrfAwdMI— Men Make Me Uncomfortable ? (@BuMbugua) January 7, 2019
Someone pls write down where we can get tampons asap!? We’ve searched for over an hour https://t.co/MaIasx3uf2
— wanja (@PamyB_) January 7, 2019
There are actually no tampons in almost all supermarkets in Nairobi right now.. Other shops that have them have inflated the prices so high.. What’s going on?? https://t.co/WGwre66bgs
— Vionna (@Kurlycheeks) January 8, 2019
This entire conversation is the reason why we call men trash. Women are raising a serious issue about tampon shortage but there’s always those of you insensitive badly raised ignorant elements thinking it’s funny… TRASH!!! pic.twitter.com/ntGItkVzEs
— Scheaffer Okore (@scheafferoo) January 8, 2019
