Sakaja starts giving Nairobi County Council’s female employees “menstruation leave”

Nairobi County has approved a new policy granting women working at City Hall up to two days of menstrual health leave per month, in a move aimed at promoting women’s wellbeing and improving productivity in the workplace.

The initiative, championed by Governor Johnson Sakaja, formally recognises the impact of menstrual pain and related health challenges on women’s ability to work effectively. County officials say the policy is designed to create a more supportive and inclusive working environment for female employees.

Under the new arrangement, the menstrual leave will be taken confidentially and will not affect performance appraisals, promotions or professional evaluations. Clear guidelines have also been put in place to ensure that essential county services continue uninterrupted, even when staff take the approved days off.

County leadership noted that the policy balances employee welfare with service delivery, allowing departments to plan ahead and manage workloads efficiently.

With the move, Nairobi joins a growing list of countries that have formally recognised menstrual leave in the workplace, including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Spain. Supporters of the policy say it positions the county as a progressive employer and could encourage broader conversations around menstrual health and dignity in Kenya’s public and private sectors.