Nairobi County Introduces Menstrual Health Days for Female Staff

Nairobi County will grant female employees two days off each month to manage menstrual-related health challenges.

The policy, approved by Governor Johnson Sakaja and his Cabinet on 16 December, will be incorporated into the county’s human resource framework, marking the first formal recognition of menstrual health within Nairobi’s employment policies. Officials noted that the absence of such provisions has often forced women, who make up more than half of the county’s workforce, to work through severe discomfort, affecting overall productivity.

Studies cited by City Hall indicate that between 65 and 80 per cent of women experience menstrual pain, with many reporting symptoms that directly impair work performance. Governor Sakaja said: “Women make up more than half of Nairobi County’s workforce, meaning the impact is reflected in reduced efficiency, increased presenteeism and compromised service delivery.”

The county framed the measure as part of its commitment to gender equality, decent work, and inclusive governance. Departments will receive clear guidelines, and sensitisation programmes will accompany the rollout. Existing human resource systems will monitor implementation to ensure the policy is applied effectively and without stigma.

Internationally, Nairobi joins a small but growing group of governments recognising menstrual leave. Countries including Zambia, Japan, Spain, and South Korea have similar provisions, with South Korea mandating one day of menstrual leave per month. Nairobi’s policy, offering two days, positions it among the more progressive adopters of such workplace reforms.