Nairobi City County has approved the introduction of two monthly Menstrual Health Days for women employees, formally integrating the policy into the county’s human resource framework in a move aimed at improving staff wellbeing and productivity.
The decision was reached during a cabinet meeting chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja, where members endorsed a proposal to anchor menstrual health support within existing HR policies at City Hall.
The approval marks a significant shift in how the county addresses workplace health and gender-responsive governance.
According to a cabinet memorandum, menstrual health challenges—particularly dysmenorrhea—have a substantial impact on women’s wellbeing and work performance.
The document cites studies indicating that between 65 and 80 per cent of women experience menstrual pain, with a significant proportion reporting symptoms severe enough to impair productivity.
Women account for more than half of Nairobi County’s workforce, meaning the cumulative effect of untreated menstrual pain is reflected in reduced efficiency, increased presenteeism and compromised service delivery.
Until now, menstrual health had not been recognised within the county’s HR policies, often compelling women to report to work despite being unwell.
The newly approved policy seeks to close this gap by allowing women employees to take up to two Menstrual Health Days each month.
The cabinet noted that the measure provides structured support while avoiding additional financial strain on the county.
The position paper describes the policy as evidence-based and aligned with Nairobi County’s commitments to gender equality, decent work and inclusive governance.
It further argues that even modest recovery of productivity losses associated with menstrual-related absenteeism and presenteeism would generate significant institutional benefits.
Implementation of the policy will be overseen by the Public Service Management subsector, working in collaboration with the County Public Service Board.
The county plans to roll out clear operational guidelines and sensitisation programmes across all departments to ensure smooth adoption.
Monitoring and reporting will be integrated into existing HR performance and employee wellbeing systems.
The cabinet also underscored the importance of safeguarding the privacy and dignity of female staff.
Measures will include confidentiality protections, assurance that the leave will have no negative impact on performance appraisals, and mechanisms to maintain operational continuity for essential services through shift swaps and relief rosters.
Globally, several countries have adopted menstrual leave policies.
Zambia, Japan and South Korea have established entitlements, with South Korea’s Labour Standards Act requiring employers to grant one day of menstrual leave per month.
Indonesia provides two statutory days, while Spain introduced a similar measure in 2023.
Nairobi County’s move places it among jurisdictions seeking to normalise menstrual health support within the workplace.
