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Government and Policy

Set Up Breastfeeding Stations or Risk Losing License-Nairobi Business Owners Told

BY Soko Directory Team · November 15, 2018 01:11 pm

Businesses located in Nairobi County will be required to set up breastfeeding areas failure to which, their licenses will be withdrawn if the executive adopts a motion by MCAs.

The Nairobi MCAs passed a motion requiring the executive to ensure business premises such as hotels have designated breastfeeding zones licensed by the county.

The MCA’s said the decision to pass the motion was reached at after recent cases where nursing women are discriminated against and barred from nursing their children.

Nominated MCA, Doris Kanario said that nursing mothers are mostly uncomfortable breastfeeding in public as some members of public take offense and give negative comments.

“This is a right every mother is entitled to. However, the lack of designated nursing areas has become a hindrance to many mothers who want to breastfeed their children while going about their daily activities,” said Ms. Kanario.

“Everyone in this House was breastfed at a young age so they know that this motion is very crucial and I would like to urge members to adopt it,” said nominated MCA Leah Naikane.

“Nairobi, as the capital city, should prove it is sensitive to the needs of mothers. It is high time the executive becomes sensitive to the needs of mothers and puts in place laws to address this issue,” said nominated MCA, Ms. Anne Thumbi while adding that Nairobi should be an example to other counties by leading the implementation of the proposal.

In 2015, Members of Parliament approved a clause in the Health Bill making it compulsory for employers to avail breastfeeding stations for mothers at their workstations.

The Bill stipulated that the breastfeeding stations were to be within office premises and were to be sufficiently provided with essential equipment and facilities. The equipment in the breastfeeding stations was to include electric outlets for breast pumps, comfortable seats, and refrigerators.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that a newborn is breastfed for six months exclusively and at least up to two years for healthy growth. Most Mothers are unable to do so freely in public given ignorant reactions from members of the public. If the executive was to adopt the motion, it would go in a long way to ensure a healthy generation

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