Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has emphasized the importance of creating supportive workplaces for lactating mothers, calling on employers across the country to establish designated breastfeeding or lactation rooms. She underscored that breastfeeding-friendly environments not only promote the health of mothers and infants but also enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
Speaking during the 6th anniversary celebration of the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), the Principal Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to ensuring that all workplaces provide adequate facilities and flexible breaks for breastfeeding and expressing milk. She noted that this initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader maternal and child health goals, ensuring that women are not forced to choose between their careers and the well-being of their children.
Muthoni highlighted the need for employers to go beyond compliance and cultivate empathy-driven workplace policies that recognize the challenges faced by working mothers. By offering supportive spaces, she said, organizations can help promote healthier families and a more inclusive workforce.
Turning her attention to the education sector, Muthoni urged teachers to take charge of their physical and mental health, acknowledging the immense emotional toll that comes with their profession. She pointed out that teachers often serve as caregivers and role models for their students, making their well-being essential for quality learning outcomes. The Principal Secretary encouraged teachers to undergo routine health screenings, emphasizing that a healthy teacher population contributes to a healthy generation of learners and, by extension, a stronger nation.
In her remarks, Muthoni also appealed to teachers to foster solidarity within their communities by supporting one another and advocating for the protection of women and children. She called on educators to work closely with local administrators and child protection officers to help curb cases of gender-based violence. She stressed that survivors of such violence must be believed, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives.
The event served as a reminder of the critical role teachers play not only in education but also in shaping healthy and safe communities. Muthoni’s message resonated strongly with the audience, reinforcing the link between workplace support, personal well-being, and national development. Through collaborative action between employers, educators, and government agencies, Kenya can continue building a healthier, more inclusive society.
