Social Protection Committee Pushes for Legislation to Support Breastfeeding Mothers in Kenya
Discussions on the *Breastfeeding Mothers Bill, 2024* took center stage today in Kenya’s National Assembly, with members of the Social Protection Committee rallying for legislative action to support breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. The Bill, sponsored by Hon. Sabina Chege, aims to improve the working conditions for mothers by ensuring that lactation spaces and other essential facilities are provided at their workplaces.
The Committee held a meeting with key stakeholders, including the Kenya Association for Breastfeeding (KAB) and Career Mothers for Exclusive Breastfeeding (CAMFEB), to discuss the critical issues faced by breastfeeding mothers across the country.
KAB highlighted the struggles mothers face when they return to work just three months after childbirth, despite the World Health Organization’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months. The association noted that, according to the Kenya Demographic Health Survey, exclusive breastfeeding rates plummet after the three-month mark due to the lack of lactation facilities at workplaces. KAB emphasized the urgent need for laws mandating lactation rooms in all commercial buildings to help support working mothers.
CAMFEB, an advocacy group founded by a mother who returned to work when her child was just two months old, shared the importance of safe, clean, and well-equipped lactation spaces. They introduced the concept of the “lactation pod,” a portable and fully-equipped breastfeeding facility complete with a refrigerator, which can be installed in offices or other spaces at a cost of Ksh. 70,000.
Legislators expressed support for the establishment of dedicated lactation spaces not only in corporate offices but also in public places such as markets, transportation hubs, and government buildings. The discussions also highlighted the necessity for more data and research, particularly from the government, to understand the unique needs of breastfeeding mothers from both the formal and informal sectors.
The Social Protection Committee has called for additional studies to strengthen the proposed legislation, ensuring it effectively meets the needs of breastfeeding mothers across Kenya. The Bill is expected to undergo further revisions before it is formally presented for debate in Parliament.
As the Committee continues its work, there is growing optimism that the *Breastfeeding Mothers Bill, 2024* will soon provide crucial support for working mothers, ensuring they can breastfeed their children for the recommended six months while balancing their professional responsibilities.
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