The National Assembly has approved the Breastfeeding Mothers Bill, 2024, giving lactating mothers protection while breastfeeding their babies at work or in public places.
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.
A hospital ward in Kenya.
Photo
Kenyans.co.ke/Murang'a GH
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.
At the same time, breastfeeding in public will be protected, as the Bill states that doing so should not be considered an indecent act, with those found to commit the offense facing up to one year in jail, as well as a Ksh1 million fine. For a continuing offense, the court shall, in addition to the penalty, be liable to Ksh10 thousand daily.
"A person convicted of an offence under this Act for which no penalty is provided shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or to both. Where an offence is a continuing offence, the person convicted shall, in addition to the penalty prescribed, be liable to a fine of ten thousand shillings for each day during which the offence continues," the bill states in part.
The Bill has not yet become law, as it will be presented to President William Ruto for assent before becoming law.
Jubilee Party Nominated MP Sabina Chege during a rally on October 8, 2026
sabina Chege