This archive report was first published on 4 December 2019.
Pregnant at Work: Know Your Rights in Kenya ¶
Going through a pregnancy is a delicate period in life, requiring those around you to have a certain level of understanding. In Kenya, the government has put in place certain laws to protect women during these times, avoiding certain forms of discrimination.
Published on December 4, 2019, these laws aim to ensure that pregnant women are treated fairly at the workplace. One of the key rights is protection from unfair dismissal, where women are not unfairly dismissed from work just for being pregnant.
According to labour laws in Kenya, pregnant women have the right to be protected from doing strenuous or high-risk activities at the workplace. This includes operating heavy vibrating machinery, exposure to harmful radiation, and extremely loud noises that could cause hearing problems for the baby.
Another important right is maternity leave, where pregnant women are entitled to take some time off right before and after giving birth. In Kenya, women are entitled to three months maternity leave, giving them enough time to go through with the delivery and start adjusting to life after giving birth.
Employers are also required to observe the law on paid maternity leave for expectant mothers. This means that while a pregnant worker is away on leave, she still needs money to survive. Expectant mothers should give at least a seven-day notice to their employer as a form of evidence.
Additionally, employees are meant to allocate appropriate spaces where mothers can nurse and breastfeed their babies while at work. These areas should observe standards such as cleanliness, safety, and privacy.
The work place should provide the basic necessities for pregnant women and new mums, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for them.
