The government intends to compel all public institutions to put up baby care facilities at workplaces to help breastfeeding mothers nurture their newborns while on duty.
Consequently, the Ministry of Health (MoH) announced plans to undertake a nationwide crackdown on institutions that have failed to establish such facilities for female employees, in line with crèche laws.
Under the crèche laws that were adopted in the country after a protracted push by the rights activists and civil society organisations, institutions are expected to establish a nursery where babies and young children are cared for during working days while mothers or guardians are on duty.
Addressing the press in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni warned that non-compliance with the laws could attract firm legal action, expressing fears that the absence of childcare facilities was a national concern, adversely affecting young working mothers in public institutions.
Muthoni particularly regretted that new mothers, including teachers, other public servants, and students, are increasingly being forced to juggle work, studies, and childcare responsibilities under difficult conditions, a situation she said negatively impacts productivity and overall wellbeing.
“We are witnessing young mothers struggling to balance their professional or academic responsibilities with childcare.
This distraction affects their mental health, productivity, and ultimately the quality of services delivered to the public,” said the PS.
Muthoni observed that although the crèche requirement is already anchored in law, many public institutions have treated it casually since its enactment, citing budgetary and logistical challenges.
However, she warned that the grace period previously extended by the government has now lapsed.
“As of January 2026, the Ministry will begin firm enforcement of the law. This requirement carries full legal weight, and institutions must comply without exception,” Muthoni emphasised.
The PS reiterated that childcare should not be viewed as a privilege but as a fundamental right and a critical component of a productive and inclusive workforce, adding that a supportive working environment is essential for national development.
At the same time, the Ministry of Public Health has raised concern over a sharp rise in drug and substance abuse within learning institutions, describing the trend as an emerging crisis that threatens not only schools but also surrounding communities.
According to recent Ministry surveys, an increasing number of learners are being introduced to drugs while in school, with some subsequently spreading the habit to their homes and neighbourhoods.
“We will not sit back and watch as this crisis escalates. What begins within school compounds quickly spills into families and communities,” Muthoni warned.
In response to the growing threat, she said the Ministry of Health has adopted a whole-of-government approach, partnering with the Ministry of Education to roll out joint interventions aimed at curbing drug and substance abuse in schools, beginning next week.
The PS added that teachers and school administrators have been urged to remain vigilant and closely monitor items students bring into learning institutions, cautioning that drug manufacturers and traffickers are increasingly targeting children using deceptive tactics.
“Some of these substances are disguised using sweeteners and packaging that closely resembles legal consumer products, making them difficult to detect,” she said.
Muthoni said schools have further been directed to conduct impromptu inspections of classrooms, dormitories, and other areas where learners spend most of their time as part of enhanced surveillance and prevention measures.
“Without urgent and coordinated intervention, the future of our children and the safety of our communities will be under serious threat,” she cautioned.
By David Wandeto
