Schools across the country have been directed to establish breastfeeding-friendly environments, including dedicated lactation rooms, as part of a renewed push to support maternal health and uphold reproductive rights.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni issued the directive last week during the Kenya Women Teachers’ Association (KEWOTA) anniversary event, warning that institutions failing to comply will face inspection and possible sanctions.
“It’s in the law,” Muthoni said, referring to the 2017 Health Act, which mandates schools to provide safe, private spaces for breastfeeding and expressing milk. “I’m not requesting this; I’m reminding schools of their legal obligation.”
Her remarks come amid growing concern over stagnant breastfeeding rates in Kenya, which have hovered around 60 per cent for over a decade. According to the Ministry of Health, this plateau threatens child health outcomes and signals a lack of institutional support for working mothers, particularly in education settings.
“It breaks my heart to hear of women who have no private space in their schools to express or breastfeed,” Muthoni said, addig that inadequate facilities expose women to infections and violate their rights to dignified care.
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The Ministry is now urging both public and private school boards to install clean, accessible lactation rooms, provide designated break times, and ensure safe storage for breast milk.
Muthoni emphasized that breastfeeding support is not a favour but a right, and called for multi-sectoral collaboration to make schools safer and more inclusive for mothers.
In addition to maternal support, Muthoni advocated for broader health reforms in schools, including regular screenings for breast and cervical cancer, blood pressure, and sugar levels. She also called for improved menstrual hygiene management and access to clean water and sanitation, stressing that no student should miss class due to natural health needs.
Schools countrywide are now expected to align with the Ministry’s guidelines, with inspections set to begin in the coming months.
By Masaki Enock
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