Nairobi City County has approved the introduction of two monthly Menstrual Health Days for female employees, following a cabinet resolution chaired by Governor Johnson Sakaja on Tuesday December 16, 2025.
The decision incorporates the menstrual health support formally into the county’s human resource policies marking a major step towards enhancing the well-being of staff members and workplace productivity at City Hall.
According to cabinet position paper, the policy responds to longstanding menstrual health challenges faced by women, particularly dysmenorrhea, which 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 of suffering symptoms severe enough to impair productivity.
Citing from the memorandum, women constitute more than half of the county workforce, and the impact of unmanaged menstrual health challenges has been reflected in reduced efficiency, increased presenteeism and compromised service delivery.
Up to now, menstrual health had not been recognized 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.
The cabinet position paper noted that the policy is evidence-based and it goes hand in hand with the county’s commitments to gender equality, decent work and inclusive governance. It adds 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. The county will roll out clear guidelines and sensitization measures across all departments, with monitoring integrated into existing performances and employee wellbeing systems.
To ensure dignity and privacy are safeguarded, the policy guarantees confidentiality, staff protection from negative performance appraisals, and continuity of essential services through measures such as shift swaps and relief rosters.
This move places Nairobi among jurisdictions that have adopted menstrual leave policies, including Japan, Zambia and South Korea. Indonesia on the other hand provides for to statutory menstrual leave days taken on the first and second days of menstruation when reported, while Spain introduced similar provisions in 2023.
According to the county officials, the policy highlights Nairobi’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace that recognizes the health needs of all employees.
