How breastfeeding rooms are empowering working mothers

Berly Obedi, Financial Accountant at Kiwasco with her colleague cradling her third-born child at lactation room. [Micheal Mute, Standard]

In Kenya, three out of 10 mothers no longer breastfeed their children, often forced by demanding schedules and unsupportive workplaces to rely on bottle-feeding. But in Kisumu, a quiet transformation is unfolding.

A modern lactation room at the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company (Kiwasco) is giving mothers a safe, private and comfortable space to express milk, breastfeed, and continue their professional responsibilities without compromise. For working women, the facility represents far more than convenience; it is empowerment, improved productivity, and a firm step towards gender equality in the workplace.

For Berly Obedi, a Financial Accountant at Kiwasco, the new facility has been life-changing. Cradling her third child, she recalls earlier struggles. “Before the lactation room, I pumped milk wherever I could find space — sometimes unsafe or unhygienic. Even with my second child, I faced the same challenges,” she says. “Now I have a clean, private space to pump, store milk properly, and even breastfeed. It allows me to focus on work knowing my child is well cared for.”

Berly, who has worked at Kiwasco for 14 years, says the facility has brought balance to her work and motherhood. “It has made nurturing my children while working much easier. I stay hydrated, ensure my babies have enough milk, and maintain exclusive breastfeeding for six months. I encourage other companies to do the same.”

Lucy Agora, an administrative assistant, echoes the sentiment: “I have used the lactation room for the last year. It has helped me a lot because we have a refrigerator to store milk safely. I express milk twice a day, at around 10am and 2pm.” For first-time mothers, the facility is equally invaluable.

For first-time mothers, the space is equally invaluable. Emmy Muga, Corporate Affairs and Communication Officer, says it supported her through pregnancy.

“Whenever I get tired from long hours at work, I come here, grab my favourite drink and relax on the couch. It helps my body recharge. This space has helped me remain productive while taking care of my baby,” shares.

A mother expressing milk at lactation room in Kiwasco, Kisumu. [Micheal Mute, Standard]

The lactation room reflects Kiwasco’s wider commitment to employee welfare. Thomas Adongo, Team Lead at Kiwasco, explains that the new headquarters, which houses the facility, was designed with employees’ needs in mind. “Many of our staff are below 35, at peak reproductive age. We prioritised a gender equality and social inclusion policy that includes a mother’s room. The facility enhances productivity, reduces absenteeism, and enables mothers to care for their children while fulfilling their duties,” he says.

The room serves two mothers at a time and includes a refrigerator, baby-care consumables, and comfortable seating for mothers and their helpers. “Even fathers can visit. The facility strengthens the mother-child bond and supports career continuity. Breast milk is vital for immune development and cognitive growth. With this room, babies receive proper nutrition while mothers continue their work seamlessly,” Adongo adds.

Eldah Odongo, Head of Commercial Services and project manager for the lactation room, says the initiative was driven by first-hand experience. “As a mother and leader, I understand the challenges of working while breastfeeding. Many women stop early because they lack proper facilities. When designing the building, we ensured the lactation room was included. Privacy, hygiene and accessibility were our priorities,” he says.

The initiative began in 2021, when Kiwasco partnered with Gender Industries and the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) to assess the company’s gender status. The assessment identified a need for affirmative action, leading to the formation of a gender committee trained over two years in collaboration with the Danish Community Planning Association, Reproductive Engineering of Kenya and the Federation of Kenyan Lawyers. These partnerships resulted in a strengthened gender and social inclusion policy, approved in September 2024. The lactation room became operational in March and has been active since.

Thomas Adongo,  Team Leader at Kiwasco during interview with Standard. [Micheal Mute, Standard]

Maxwell Ongeto, Acting Human Resources and Administration Manager, says the facility has boosted productivity. “Previously, employees returning from maternity leave struggled to balance family responsibilities with work. The lactation room allows them to adjust quickly while maintaining output. Alongside flexible working arrangements and wellness programmes, the room has enhanced employee satisfaction and performance. Eight staff members have used it after maternity leave, with five more expected by the end of the year.”

National statistics highlight the importance of such facilities. The Ministry of Health reports that three in 10 Kenyan mothers no longer breastfeed, while the State Department for Public Health notes bottle-feeding rose from 22 per cent in 2022 to 34 per cent in 2025. Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni links this rise to unsupportive workplaces and the lack of breastfeeding-friendly environments.

Globally, breastfeeding remains vital to child survival. WHO and Unicef estimate that over 820,000 children under five could be saved annually through optimal breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months’ boosts immunity, supports cognitive development and improves long-term outcomes.

Kenyan legislation protects breastfeeding rights. The Breastfeeding Mothers Act (2019) requires buildings with at least 50 occupants to provide a clean, private lactation room. Employers must allow nursing breaks, while the Constitution guarantees every child adequate nutrition and healthcare. Other relevant laws include the Employment Act (2012), Health Act (2017) and Breast Milk Substitutes Act (2012).