Lipa Later, a buy-now-pay-later company operating in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria, has introduced a six-month fully paid maternity leave policy effective April 1, 2022. The initiative aims to support maternal well-being and child development while fostering gender equity in the workplace.
The company stated this initiative is part of its broader strategy to foster inclusivity and gender balance. CEO Eric Muli emphasized that extended leave allows mothers to bond with newborns and transition into parenthood without work-related stress. "This time enables mothers to focus on their children's early development while ensuring they return to work refreshed and productive," he said.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early childhood nutrition and care significantly impact brain development. The agency highlights that prolonged maternity leave supports breastfeeding practices, which are critical for immune system development and long-term health outcomes.
Currently, only a handful of multinational corporations, including EABL and Microsoft, offer similar policies. Kenya's labor laws mandate three months of paid maternity leave and two weeks of paternity leave, though many employers resist these provisions due to perceived financial burdens.
Kenya's 2014 Demographic and Health Survey revealed 61% of infants under six months were exclusively breastfed, up from 32% in 2009. Globally, Estonia provides the longest paid parental leave at two years, while Hungary offers at least 18 months.
