The Sakaja Cabinet on Tuesday, December 16 approved the introduction of two monthly Menstrual Health Days for women employees, formally adopting the policy as part of Nairobi City County’s human resource framework.

The approval follows a cabinet session chaired by Governor Sakaja, which proposed anchoring menstrual health support within the county’s HR policies to improve staff wellbeing and boost productivity.

The memorandum highlights that menstrual health challenges, particularly dysmenorrhea, significantly affect women’s wellbeing and work performance. Studies cited indicate that between 65 and 80 per cent of women experience menstrual pain, with a considerable number suffering symptoms severe enough to impair productivity.

Women make up more than half of Nairobi County’s workforce, meaning the impact is reflected in reduced efficiency, increased presenteeism and compromised service delivery.

Until now, menstrual health had not been recognised in existing HR policies, often forcing women to report to work while unwell.

The newly approved policy addresses this gap by allowing two monthly Menstrual Health Days, providing structured support without imposing additional financial strain on the county.

According to cabinet position paper, the policy is evidence-based and aligns with the county’s commitments to gender equality, decent work and inclusive governance. It notes that even modest recovery of productivity losses would yield significant institutional benefits.

Implementation will be undertaken by the Public Service Management subsector in collaboration with the County Public Service Board.

Clear guidelines and sensitisation measures will be rolled out across all departments, while monitoring will be integrated into existing HR performance and employee wellbeing systems. Measures will be put in place to ensure the privacy and dignity of female stuff is upheld at all levels.

There shall be confidentiality, no negative impact on performance appraisals and operational continuity for essential services through shift swaps/relief rosters.

Other countries with established menstrual leave entitlements include Zambia, Japan and South Korea—where the Labour Standards Act requires employers to grant one day of menstrual leave per month. Indonesia provides for two statutory days, taken on the first and second days of menstruation when pain is reported, while Spain introduced a similar measure in 2023.