Kenya could see maternity leave double from the current 90 days to six months if a new parliamentary proposal gains support.
Nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni is pushing for the extension, saying longer maternity leave would give mothers more time to recover after childbirth and support exclusive breastfeeding and early infant development.
The proposal has revived a debate that has been ongoing for years over the length of maternity leave, maternal and child health, and the costs employers may face if the statutory period is increased.
Kenya’s current law provides for three months of fully paid maternity leave. The proposed six-month period would bring the country closer to recommendations around exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a baby’s life.
The debate also raises questions about how an extended leave period would affect employers and whether additional measures would be needed to support businesses, particularly smaller employers.
For mothers, however, the proposal could mean more time at home during the early months of a child’s life if it becomes law.
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