Nairobi County Approves Menstrual Health Leave for Women at City Hall

 Nairobi County has officially approved two menstrual health leave days per month for women working at City Hall, in a move aimed at supporting women’s wellbeing and boosting workplace productivity.

The policy, championed by Governor Johnson Sakaja, recognizes the physical and emotional challenges associated with menstrual pain, providing women the opportunity to rest without fear of stigma or negative impacts on their performance appraisals.

Under the new guidelines, the leave will remain confidential, ensuring privacy for employees, while measures have been put in place to ensure that essential services at City Hall continue without disruption.

Governor Sakaja emphasized the importance of the policy, stating that it is part of broader efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women in the county.

Nairobi now joins a growing list of countries, including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and Spain, that formally recognize menstrual leave as part of workplace policy, highlighting a shift toward more gender-sensitive labor practices globally.

Human resource experts in Kenya have welcomed the move, noting that recognizing menstrual health in the workplace can improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and foster a more equitable work environment.