Parliament Passes the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill [Details]

On Wednesday, October 14, Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly voted to pass the  National Assembly has passed the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill, 2024.

The National Assembly said that the bill sponsored by Nominated MP Sabina Chege paves the way for stronger legal protections for breastfeeding mothers and greater support for women balancing employment with childcare.

Chege's Bill seeks to establish employers’ obligations towards breastfeeding mothers, provide for lactation facilities in workplaces and require baby-changing facilities in public places.

"Under the law, employers will be required to provide suitable lactation spaces where breastfeeding mothers can breastfeed or express breast milk in a private, clean and secure environment.

"The legislation also provides for breastfeeding breaks and the right of mothers to apply for flexible working arrangements, including adjustments to working hours, assignments and work locations," Parliament wrote.

According to the Bill, the lactating room shall be shielded from view and be free from intrusion by co-workers; clean, quiet and private; have a lockable door; have a wash basin; have a fridge for storing expressed milk; have a chair, table and clean space to store equipment, and be well-lit.

Any employer who does not comply with the aforementioned requirements commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh1 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both.

Before the vote, the  Departmental Committee on Social Protection had recommended that the House approve the Bill with amendments following consultations with stakeholders, including employers, breastfeeding advocates and government officials.

The Bill contains measures that seek to address challenges that force some women to interrupt breastfeeding or leave employment because of inadequate workplace support.

It also provides for protection against discrimination on account of breastfeeding and seeks to expand access to baby-changing facilities in public places, recognising the needs of parents and caregivers beyond the workplace.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua's role in ensuring enforcement of the Bill if enacted into law by President William Ruto has also been spelt out.

"The Cabinet Secretary responsible for Labour is expected to play a role in promoting understanding of breastfeeding mothers’ rights and employers’ obligations," the statement continued.