The Breastfeeding Mothers Bill of 2019 tabled in the National Assembly, by Murang’a Woman Representative Sabina Chege, makes it compulsory for all persons who own, lease or rent buildings holding at least 50 people to provide a lactation room.
Failure to follow this provision will attract am immediate fine of Ksh 1 million. According to the bill, the room should be “a clean, private facility with a baby changing table, waste bucket and a sign indicating its location.”
A section of the bill reads “A person convicted of an offence under this Act shall on conviction be liable to a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both,”
The bill equally seeks to prevent employers from discriminating women based on pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding in accessing employment opportunities and benefits.
According to the bill’s sponsor, Sabina Chege, the statute is aimed at enhancing the health of the baby and enhancing the mother-baby relationship.
