Health Ministry to enforce workplace daycare law in public institutions

The Ministry of Health has announced plans to begin enforcing existing legal requirements that mandate public institutions to establish daycare facilities for female employees.

Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the absence of childcare support remains a challenge for some teachers, public officers and students who are new parents.

She said limited access to childcare can affect concentration and well-being in workplaces and learning institutions.

“Many working mothers are required to balance professional duties with childcare responsibilities where such facilities are not available. This can affect performance, concentration and mental well-being,” Muthoni said.

She said institutions that have not complied with the law should take steps to do so, noting that enforcement measures are expected to begin in January.

“The law on childcare facilities is already in place. The Ministry intends to enforce it to support working mothers and safeguard the well-being of children,” she said.

Available data indicate that access to workplace-based childcare in Kenya remains limited.

According to the African Population and Health Research Centre, about 9 to 10 per cent of formally employed mothers report having access to childcare at or near their workplace, while 2 to 3 per cent say they have access to private lactation rooms.

As a result, many working mothers continue to rely on informal or community-based childcare arrangements.

The research also shows that only about 12 to 13 per cent of formally employed women who use childcare benefit from employer-provided daycare services.

Concerns have also been raised about the operation of unregistered daycare centres in some parts of the country, particularly in densely populated urban areas, with questions around safety and quality of care.

Muthoni said the enforcement effort is aimed at improving compliance with the law and supporting working parents.

“This initiative focuses on dignity, productivity and the rights of working parents. Addressing childcare needs can help employees remain focused while also promoting child safety,” she said.

Separately, the Principal Secretary expressed concern over reports of drug and substance use affecting some learning institutions.

She said ministry surveys suggest that some learners are exposed to harmful substances while in school, which may contribute to broader community challenges.

“These reports are concerning and point to the need for closer collaboration between schools, families and government agencies,” Muthoni said.

She said the Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Education as part of a broader, coordinated approach to address the issue.

Teachers and school administrators have been advised to remain vigilant and to monitor items brought into schools. Schools have also been encouraged to conduct regular inspections of classrooms and boarding facilities in line with existing guidelines.

Muthoni said some harmful substances are reportedly packaged in ways that make detection difficult, underscoring the need for increased awareness among educators.

The Ministry has advised school heads and discipline officers to strengthen preventive measures and follow established procedures when violations are identified.

Officials said early and coordinated intervention is important to reduce risks associated with substance use among learners.