- Nairobi County will grant women two paid menstrual health days each month.
- The policy aims to support women’s health and improve productivity.
- Implementation will respect privacy and ensure service delivery continues.
Nairobi County has made history after Governor Johnson Sakaja approved a progressive menstrual health policy that gives female employees two days of paid leave every month.
The decision was formally adopted on Tuesday, December 16, during a county cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Sakaja. With this move, Nairobi becomes the first county in Kenya to officially recognise menstrual health within its human resource policies.
The policy introduces two monthly Menstrual Health Days, allowing women to take time off without losing pay whenever they experience menstrual-related challenges.
A cabinet memorandum presented before approval highlighted that menstrual pain, especially dysmenorrhea, affects a large number of women and can severely interfere with daily work.
Studies cited show that between 65 and 80 per cent of women experience menstrual pain, with many reporting symptoms strong enough to reduce concentration and productivity.
Since women make up more than half of Nairobi County’s workforce, unaddressed menstrual health issues have led to reduced efficiency, increased presenteeism, and strain on service delivery.
Previously, menstrual health was not covered in existing HR policies. Many women were forced to report to work while unwell or take unpaid leave.
The new framework addresses this gap by offering structured support without placing extra financial pressure on the county government.
“The policy recognises that supporting women’s health needs is not just about fairness, but also good management,” the cabinet memorandum stated.
Implementation will be handled by the Public Service Management subsector together with the County Public Service Board.
Clear guidelines and awareness programs will be rolled out across departments to ensure smooth adoption. Monitoring will be integrated into existing HR and staff wellbeing systems.
The policy also guarantees confidentiality, protects women from negative performance reviews, and ensures essential services continue through shift swaps and relief planning.
Nairobi’s move comes nearly ten years after Zambia introduced menstrual leave in 2015. Known as “Mother’s Day,” the Zambian law allows women one day off per month without medical proof.
While praised for improving women’s wellbeing, Zambia’s policy has faced criticism over misuse and productivity concerns. Still, it remains protected under the country’s labour laws.
Nairobi County’s decision signals a shift toward inclusive governance and recognition of women’s health needs. As implementation begins, the policy is expected to spark national conversation on menstrual health, dignity, and fairness in the workplace.
