Lipa Later, a buy-now-pay-later company active in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Nigeria, has introduced a 6-month fully paid maternity leave policy effective April 1, 2022. The initiative aims to support working mothers and align with global health recommendations for early childhood development.
"Giving birth and caring for a newborn is one of life’s most transformative experiences. We believe women need extended time to adjust to motherhood without work-related stress. As we observe International Women’s Day, we are proud to offer all Lipa Later mothers a 6-month fully paid maternity leave. This time will benefit mothers, children, and the organization as returning employees will be better prepared for work," said Eric Muli, CEO of Lipa Later.
World Health Organization data highlights that early breastfeeding and nurturing care significantly enhance children’s brain development and long-term health outcomes. The agency notes that returning to work too soon can hinder breastfeeding practices, which are critical for immune system development and reducing non-communicable disease risks.
Kenya’s current law mandates three months of paid maternity leave and two weeks of paternity leave. While some multinational companies like EABL and Microsoft offer extended leave, many local firms view these benefits as financial burdens, often leading to temporary hiring.
Kenya’s 2014 Demographic and Health Survey reported 61% of children 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.
