Kenya Grants Nairobi County Women Two Paid Menstrual Leave Days Each Month

Nairobi County Government has implemented Kenya's first menstrual leave policy, granting female employees two paid days off each month to manage menstrual pain and discomfort.

“It all began with an informal lunch-time conversation between a county governor and his ministers about a colleague's menstrual pain”

Africanews

The policy, which took effect in December 2025, was initiated by Governor Johnson Sakaja during an informal lunch conversation with cabinet members about a colleague's severe menstrual cramps.

Associated Press

The measure represents a significant advancement in women's workplace rights within Kenya, aiming to improve both employee well-being and productivity.

The policy operates on a 'no-questions-asked, no-forms-filled' basis, offering paid leave alongside existing sick and annual leave entitlements.

Governor Johnson Sakaja, who oversees an administration where more than half of the 18,000 employees are women, has been the driving force behind this progressive workplace policy.

He emphasizes that 'your biggest asset is your staff' and that the policy starts with 'dignifying your own staff, for them to feel that they're respected and dignified.'

TV5MONDE

The implementation involves a cabinet decree and internal memo from the human resource office, indicating a structured approach to policy rollout.

Early reports from Nairobi County Human Resource Manager Janet Opiata indicate positive reception, with at least 12 women from her department, including a senior director, benefiting from the leave in February 2026.

Despite the policy's implementation with little public objection, some critics have expressed concerns that menstrual leave could discourage employers from hiring more women.

“Back to top\n\nFemale employees of the Nairobi County Government now have two paid days off per month due to menstrual pain”

TV5MONDE

However, Governor Sakaja strongly disagrees with this perspective, arguing that 'women's rights are not anti-productivity — they are an input that creates productivity. It's actually an investment in your workforce.'

He maintains that women perform better when supported and has dismissed concerns about financial impact, noting that the county has more than one person for each role.

The governor emphasized that it 'will not be a train smash if three or four people in a department are not there for a day or two.'

These views reflect a growing recognition that menstrual health policies can enhance workplace productivity rather than hinder it.

While the policy represents significant progress, cultural and social barriers remain challenging for many women.

Marion Kapuya, a 25-year-old revenue officer with the county, reported that the policy has already made a positive difference, noting that 'working with pain or discomfort can lead to mistakes or low productivity' and that after taking leave, 'your performance will be top-notch.'

TV5MONDE

However, she acknowledged that stigma remains a significant barrier in many workplaces, stating 'before I get to a point of saying, 'Excuse me, sir, I am on my period and I don't feel OK,' it is so hard.'

Even with the policy, Governor Sakaja received feedback that telling managers about menstrual leave can be embarrassing.

This cultural context highlights that policy implementation must be accompanied by social change to fully realize the benefits of menstrual leave.

Nairobi's menstrual leave policy places Kenya within a growing global movement recognizing menstrual health as a legitimate workplace issue.

“Making menstrual leave official: 2 paid days off a month for period pain Making menstrual leave official: 2 paid days off a month for period pain NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — It started with a casual lunch conversation between a county governor and his cabinet ministers about a colleague’s menstrual pain”

Associated Press

Japan was the first country to adopt such a policy in 1947, followed by Spain in 2023, with other countries including Indonesia and South Korea also implementing similar measures.

Associated Press

In Africa, Zambia currently has the only nationwide menstrual leave policy, allowing female workers to take one day per month without requiring a healthcare provider's note.

Advocates argue that these policies recognize menstruation as a legitimate workplace health issue rather than a personal inconvenience.

The Nairobi policy has garnered international attention, with Kenya's national government showing interest in potential nationwide implementation, and other county governors expressing similar interest, suggesting this could be the beginning of broader policy changes across the country.