The Nairobi City County Cabinet on Tuesday, December 16, approved the introduction of two monthly Menstrual Health Days for women employees, formally adopting the measure into the county’s human resource framework.
The decision was reached during a cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja and seeks to anchor menstrual health support within county HR policies to improve staff wellbeing and productivity.
A cabinet memorandum notes that menstrual health challenges, particularly dysmenorrhea, affect women’s well-being and work performance. Studies cited show that between 65 and 80 per cent of women experience menstrual pain, with a significant number reporting symptoms that interfere with their ability to work.
Women account for more than half of Nairobi County’s workforce, meaning the impact of unmanaged menstrual health is reflected in reduced efficiency, increased presenteeism, and weakened service delivery.
Until now, menstrual health considerations have not been recognised in existing HR policies, often leaving women to report to work while unwell.
The newly approved policy allows women employees to take two Menstrual Health Days per month, offering structured support without placing additional financial strain on the county.
According to the cabinet position paper, the policy is evidence-based and aligned with the county’s commitments to gender equality, decent work, and inclusive governance. It states that even modest gains in productivity would result in measurable institutional benefits.
Implementation will be led by the Public Service Management subsector in collaboration with the County Public Service Board.
The county will roll out clear guidelines and sensitisation measures across all departments. Monitoring will be integrated into existing HR performance and employee well-being systems. Safeguards will be put in place to uphold the privacy and dignity of female staff.
The policy provides for confidentiality, protection from negative performance appraisals, and continuity of essential services through mechanisms such as shift swaps and relief rosters.
Countries with existing menstrual leave provisions include Zambia, Japan, and South Korea, where the Labour Standards Act requires employers to grant one day of menstrual leave per month. Indonesia provides two statutory days during menstruation when pain is reported, while Spain introduced a similar policy in 2023.