The Nairobi County Government has approved the introduction of two menstrual health days per month for women employees, a move aimed at improving staff wellbeing and enhancing service delivery across county departments.
Governor Johnson Sakaja and his Cabinet endorsed the policy on Tuesday, December 16, which will now be integrated into the county’s human resource framework.
The decision comes after studies showed that between 65 and 80 per cent of women experience menstrual pain, with many suffering symptoms severe enough to affect work performance. Women make up over half of Nairobi County’s workforce, and the lack of menstrual health considerations has previously compromised productivity.
The policy will include clear guidelines to protect privacy and dignity, as well as sensitization measures and monitoring within existing HR and employee wellbeing systems. Nairobi County joins countries such as Zambia, Japan, Spain, and South Korea, which have adopted menstrual leave policies to support gender equality and inclusive governance.
