KEBS Takes Action After Kenyan Women Share Nasty Experiences with Always Sanitary Pads

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) says it will be conducting fresh tests on Always sanitary pads following online uproar over the product's quality.

Kenyan women took to social media using hashtag #MyAlwaysExperience to share their nasty experience with the Always brand during their periods.

Majority lamented that the pads cause burns, rashes and skin irritation in the vaginal area.

In a statement, KEBS says the tests seek to determine whether there is a breach of quality standards.

The agency further says the product could be withdrawn from the market if found to be substandard.

“Consumers are requested to report any specific complaint through KEBS Toll-free line of 1545 between 8.00 am to 5.00 pm during weekdays or email complaints@kebs.org. You can also channel complaints through facebook at Kenya Bureau of Standards and Twitter @Kebs_ke,” the statement reads in part.

The agency, however, states that earlier tests confirmed that the product was fit for use.

Some of the tested samples include Always ultra, Always platinum, Always maxi, Always ultra-normal, Always extra-long, KEBS says in the statement.

Kenyan women MPs have vowed to put Proctor& Gamble Kenya- the company that makes Always pads- to task over the quality of their products.

“It is unacceptable that our women should be subjected to substandard products by a conglomerate,” the MPs say.

On its part, P&G maintains that its products are of high quality and are developed using the same technology and materials as those in other countries including the US.

“We would also like to draw your attention to some misinformation where pads from different countries are being compared on social media," the company says.

“The comparisons are different product versions that are all available in Kenya as well. For example, our soft (pink pack) pads are similar to the Always Sensitive (pink pack) pads in Europe. They are comparing Always Maxi Thick, also found in Europe and Kenya, To Always Sensitive when both products are available in Kenya as well.”