Boost for working mothers as MPs pass breastfeeding bill

Murang'a woman representative Sabina Chege who sponsored the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill. (Photo: Moses Omusula, Standard)

It may soon be mandatory for employers to set aside special areas for breastfeeding mothers at the work place.

MPs Thursday unanimously voted to pass a Bill that seeks to compel employers to construct special rooms where lactating mothers can breastfeed and change their babies.

If President Uhuru Kenyatta signs the Bill into law, any company or organisation that has more than 30 employees will be required to not only have a breastfeeding room but a changing facility for babies as well.

To facilitate breastfeeding, the Bill proposes that employers give mothers with infants regular breaks lasting not more than 40 minutes every four hours.