The National Assembly has approved the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill, 2024, giving lactating mothers protection while breastfeeding their babies at work or in public places.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The Bill was unanimously approved by the House on Wednesday, October 14, during a session of the day.

Following the approval, employers will be bound by law to provide breastfeeding rooms at places of work

Under the Bill, every employer would have to establish a private, clean and secure room where mothers can breastfeed or express breast milk.

📌 What You Need to Know

The room would need facilities such as a lockable door, a washbasin, a refrigerator for storing breast milk, a chair and a table. It could not be a toilet or bathroom.

Failure to establish the special rooms, employers may face up to one year imprisonment or pay up to Ksh1 million in fine.

"Any employer who does not comply with this section commits an offence and shall be liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both," the Bill stated.

Proposed by nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege, the Bill also requires employers to give breastfeeding mothers a reasonable break to feed their babies, or express breast milk during working hours.

The Cabinet Secretary for Labour will determine specific break periods through regulations.

The Bill also states that a  breastfeeding mother could request an arrangement that makes it easier to breastfeed , such as adjustments to her working hours, assignments or work location, with employers required to respond in writing within 14 days if the request is rejected.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke