Mothers working at Kirwara Subcounty Hospital in Murang’a County can now enjoy a new level of convenience and comfort with the introduction of a lactation station at the facility.
This new station offers a safe and hygienic space for mothers to express and store breast milk, making it easier for them to manage their work while ensuring their children receive proper nutrition.
The lactation station, a collaborative effort between the county government and Nutrition International—a nonprofit focused on combating vitamin and mineral deficiencies—was inaugurated by Gatanga Subcounty Director of Education, Philomena Githire. This facility allows mothers to work without needing to rush home for breastfeeding.
In many workplaces, women often lack suitable, hygienic spaces for breastfeeding or milk expression. Githire emphasized the station’s role in enhancing infant nutrition, noting that well-breastfed children benefit from stronger immunity.
“This is a significant achievement for the women at this facility, allowing them to provide their children with a nutritious start while remaining comfortable at work,” Githire stated.
Joel Mwaura, Nutrition International’s coordinator in Murang’a County, highlighted that this lactation station is the county’s first and was launched in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week. It aims to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, which currently stands at 60 percent nationally.
Mwaura noted that working mothers often face challenges in providing exclusive breast milk due to inadequate facilities. He urged employers to adopt similar measures to create supportive environments for breastfeeding or milk expression, which could improve breastfeeding rates.
Nutrition International is committed to normalizing breastfeeding for all children under two years. Mwaura also mentioned the organization’s efforts in promoting the Primary Health Care Act 2023, which mandates employers to provide a lactation room that is clean, private, and equipped with essential amenities.
Under the Act, lactation rooms must be free from intrusion, include a lockable door, wash basin, fridge, electric lighting, a chair, table, and space for equipment storage. Employers must also accommodate lactation breaks within working hours, not exceeding 40 minutes every four hours, with longer breaks possible under medical instruction. Non-compliance can result in fines or imprisonment.
Mwaura added that Nutrition International has been working with the county government for three years to support high-impact nutrition interventions, including the Uji feeding program, which benefits over 42,000 early childhood learners. This partnership has led to significant improvements in maternal and child health indicators in Murang’a County.
