Nairobi has become the first county in Kenya to formally introduce paid menstrual leave for its employees, after Governor Johnson Sakaja’s cabinet approved a policy granting two days off each month to female staff. The move is a significant step in acknowledging menstrual health as a critical workplace issue.

The new policy, approved on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, aims to tackle what a cabinet memorandum called “substantial but unaccounted-for productivity losses” caused by menstrual-related pain and discomfort. It directly addresses the reality that many women report to work while unwell, which impacts efficiency and morale.

Under the new framework, the leave days are self-declared, meaning employees will not be required to provide a doctor's note. The policy emphasizes confidentiality and ensures there will be no negative impact on performance appraisals. City Hall noted that the initiative is evidence-based and will be implemented within existing HR frameworks, imposing no additional financial strain on the county's budget.

A Question of Productivity and Dignity

The county government's decision is anchored in compelling local data: women make up more than half of Nairobi's workforce. Citing studies that show between 65% and 80% of women experience menstrual pain, the cabinet paper argued that addressing this directly is a matter of both employee wellbeing and economic sense. Proponents of such policies argue they lead to better employee retention and can boost productivity by allowing staff to recover fully instead of working at diminished capacity.

This contrasts with Kenya's Employment Act, which provides for sick leave but often requires a doctor's certificate and does not specifically account for menstruation. The new county policy treats the leave as a special entitlement, separate from annual or standard sick days.

• Policy: Two paid menstrual health days per month.
• Eligibility: All female employees of Nairobi City County.
• Requirement: Self-declared, no medical proof needed.
• Implementation: To be handled by the Public Service Management subsector, with clear guidelines and sensitization for all departments.

Following a Global and Continental Trend

While pioneering for Kenya, Nairobi’s policy follows a path laid by other nations. Zambia stands out as the only other African country with a national menstrual leave law, having introduced its one-day-a-month “Mother’s Day” policy in 2015. The Zambian experience has been studied for its effects, which supporters say has helped reduce stigma and provided crucial support, though some critics have raised concerns about potential misuse.

Globally, several countries have similar provisions:

• Spain: Became the first European country to legislate paid menstrual leave in 2023.
• Japan: Has had menstrual leave enshrined in law since 1947.
• Indonesia: Allows for two days of menstrual leave per month.
• South Korea: Entitles women to one day of menstrual leave monthly.

As of this report, key business and labor organizations in Kenya, including the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) and the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), have not yet issued public statements on Nairobi County's new policy. Their reaction will be critical in shaping the broader conversation about whether this progressive policy could, or should, be adopted by the private sector.

The implementation in Nairobi will now be closely watched as a test case for the rest of the country, potentially paving the way for a national dialogue on workplace policies that are more responsive to the biological realities of the workforce.