Nairobi Becomes the First County to Formalize Menstrual Leave

The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos

Nairobi Becomes the First County to Formalize Menstrual Leave

The County Government of Nairobi, through a County Executive Committee Memorandum No. 43 of 2025, signed in December 2025 by CEC Member for Boroughs, Administration & Personnel, S.G. Mwangi, has announced the establishment of two monthly menstrual health days (MHDS) policy for women employees within the County Executive.

“This Memorandum seeks approval of the County Executive Committee to adopt and implement the recommendations contained in the attached Position Paper on the Establishment of Two Monthly Menstrual Hygiene Days (MHDs) as a formal human resource policy of the Nairobi City County Government,” read part of the memorandum.

Approved today, December 16, 2025, Nairobi county becomes the first in Kenya to adopt such a policy, which addresses menstrual health challenges, particularly dysmenorrhea, that significantly affect women’s well-being and ultimate productivity at the workplace, with evidence indicating that 65–80% of women experience menstrual pain, with a substantial proportion experiencing symptoms severe enough to impair work performance.

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Nairobi City County Government has over half of the workforce being women, and a significant number who are of reproductive age, experiencing menstrual pain monthly, contributing to reduced productivity and increased presenteeism, thus the much-welcome relief.

Inside the 2 monthly menstrual days

1. It is a fully paid leave that will be treated as special, hence no deduction from annual or sick leave.
2. No medical proof is required, as the memo stressed that employees self-declare without needing doctors’ notes.
3. Fights for the girlchild as studies show 65–80% of women experience menstrual pain, with many suffering from reduced productivity or going to work while unwell.
4. Has a zero direct cost, as the proposal indicated that implementation fits within existing HR frameworks, and expected productivity gains will offset any minor administrative expenses

Other countries that have monthly menstrual leave

After the approval, Nairobi County, under the leadership of Governor Johnson Arthur Sakaja, has made Kenya join a list of countries that have menstrual leave entitlements for its female workers.

These countries include Zambia, Japan, and South Korea, where the Labour Standards Act requires employers to grant one day of menstrual leave per month.

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Indonesia provides for two statutory days, which are taken on the first and second days of menstruation when pain is reported, while Spain introduced a similar measure in 2023.

Importance of menstrual leave policy

• Addresses a long-ignored issue that causes unquantified productivity losses, leading to low morale.
• Aligns with global trends whereby similar policies exist in other countries.
• Shows progressive leadership, demonstrating commitment to gender equality, decent work, and inclusive governance.
• It also works in breaking taboos surrounding menstruation and boosting the self-esteem of female workers.

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This post Nairobi Becomes the First County to Formalize Menstrual Leave first appeared on The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos and is written by Immaculate Ndinda