NAIROBI, Kenya — A groundbreaking policy came to life over a simple lunch chat among a county governor and his cabinet ministers, sparked by a discussion about a colleague’s struggle with menstrual pain. This conversation led to an unprecedented move in Kenya: granting female employees the right to menstrual leave.

Implemented in December 2025, this policy allows female employees of the Nairobi county government to take up to two days off each month to cope with the discomfort and pain associated with menstruation. The initiative aims to enhance both productivity and well-being at the workplace.

Governor Johnson Sakaja revealed to The Associated Press that this policy has attracted the interest of Kenya’s national government as well as other county governors, curious about its potential impact and success.

“The most valuable asset you have is your staff,” explained Sakaja, who played a pivotal role in establishing this policy. He manages a workforce where women make up more than half of the 18,000 employees. “It begins with treating your staff with dignity, allowing them to feel respected and valued,” he added.

Women in leading roles

The policy has faced minimal public opposition. Although some critics argue it might deter employers from hiring women, Sakaja remains firm in his belief that women, when supported, outperform men.

Notably, women are currently at the helm of Nairobi’s county government business and health sectors, underscoring the significant roles they play in leadership positions.

“A lot of labor policies were written many years ago by men,” the governor said. “Women’s rights are not anti-productivity – they are an input that creates productivity. It’s actually an investment in your workforce.”

He said there would be no financial impact, as the county has more than one person for each role.

“It will not be a train smash if three or four people in a department are not there for a day or two,” he said.

Japan was the first

Japan adopted a menstrual leave policy in 1947. The latest was Spain in 2023. Other countries include Indonesia and South Korea.

In Africa, only Zambia has nationwide menstrual leave policy. It allows female workers to take one day per month without having to provide a note from a health care provider.

Advocates say such policies recognize menstruation as a legitimate workplace health issue.

“The feedback we have gotten, especially from the staff that work in public service management, is that it’s very refreshing. And when they come back, they are able to work even better,” said Nairobi County Human Resource Manager Janet Opiata.

At least 12 women from her department, including a senior director, benefited from the leave in February, Opiata said.

The policy is a “no-questions-asked, no-forms-filled” arrangement and offers paid leave alongside the usual sick and annual paid leave enshrined in labor law. Nairobi has implemented the policy using a cabinet decree and an internal memo from the human resource office.

Stigma remains a barrier

Marion Kapuya, a 25-year-old revenue officer with the county, said the policy has already made a difference.

“Working with pain or discomfort can lead to mistakes or low productivity,” she said. “When you take the break and you are relieved from the pain, your performance will be top-notch.”

She added that stigma remains a significant barrier in many workplaces.

“Before I get to a point of saying, ‘Excuse me, sir, I am on my period and I don’t feel OK,’ it is so hard,” she said.

The Nairobi county governor said he received feedback that even with the policy, it could be embarrassing telling a manager that days off were for menstrual leave.

A Nairobi private-sector worker, Christine Akinyi, called two days a great start but said it should be increased to four days. She also expressed concern, however.

“People will prefer to employ more men because they don’t have these sick leaves,” she said.

Vomiting or severe headaches

A Nairobi-based gynecologist, Eunice Cheserem, said severe menstrual pain is common in 50% of the women she sees at her clinic. Kenya does not have national data on menstrual pain.

“If a woman gets severe menstrual pain, she actually ceases to be functional. Some will get vomiting, severe headaches, they vomit everything, they have diarrhea, they have very terrible cramps,” she said. “Some respond to conventional analgesics, but very many need very, very strong analgesics for them even to be able to function.”

Cheserem said the new menstrual leave in Nairobi county offers needed rest and a chance for women to take care of themselves.

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