News

Kenyan Women Respond to Sakaja’s Menstrual Leave Policy

Published

4 months ago

December 18, 2025

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja recently made headlines by announcing a new policy granting women two days of menstrual leave per month. The move, aimed at acknowledging the physical challenges women face during their menstrual cycle, has elicited a wide range of reactions from Kenyan women.

For some, the announcement is welcome in theory but raises concerns about workplace implications. Judie, a media professional, expressed strong opposition to the policy. She argued that women are already at a disadvantage in Kenya’s job market due to perceptions around maternity leave and pregnancy.

“This is how we are kept away, then when we report back we find promotions were done and we are nowhere,” she said. “Next, when they are hiring, they may refuse to hire us because we need two days off every month. We have already been discriminated against even before employment… excused by maternity leave or other reasons. This will only reduce chances for women.” Judie also highlighted the realities of certain work environments, saying, “Especially in the newsroom, becoming pregnant sometimes felt like committing a crime against humanity. Now with this one, I would never accept this.”

Others question the motivations behind the policy. Rachel Kenya described the announcement as a potential PR strategy for Sakaja’s 2026/2027 political ambitions. She pointed out that the governor has limited history of championing women’s issues and was skeptical that the policy would be implemented beyond social media announcements.

“I got upset that he would use women’s issues to push his campaign. I find it hard to believe this will go beyond social media hype,” she said.

While the policy could signal progress for women’s rights in the workplace, it also raises important questions about gender equality in employment. Critics argue that without systemic enforcement and workplace culture change, such policies risk unintentionally reinforcing discrimination against women, rather than empowering them.

The announcement has sparked a national conversation about how Kenya balances progressive workplace policies with practical realities for women. Advocates argue that if implemented well, menstrual leave could improve productivity, health, and morale. Skeptics, however, caution that it may exacerbate existing biases in hiring and promotions, especially in competitive sectors like media, corporate offices, and politics.

As discussions continue, Kenyan women remain divided, some hopeful about the policy’s intent, others wary of potential unintended consequences.

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News

Teen, 17, Fatally Stabbed During Altercation with Friends in Eastleigh

Published

2 weeks ago

March 31, 2026

bodywisegardens.com

Police in Nairobi are investigating a tragic incident in which a 17-year-old student was stabbed to death during a confrontation with his peers in the Eastleigh area.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, March 29, 2026, has led to the arrest of three suspects. According to authorities, the suspects, who were described as friends of the victim, are currently in custody awaiting arraignment.

Witness accounts and video footage recorded at the scene depict a chaotic scene involving approximately ten young boys clashing. The footage shows the victim falling to the ground as he was repeatedly stabbed by members of the group.

Nairobi police boss Isaa Mohamud confirmed that the assailants initially fled the scene following the attack. However, a quick response by law enforcement led to the tracing and subsequent arrest of three primary suspects.

“The body of the deceased was found with multiple stab wounds to the chest and back,” police stated. The remains have since been moved to a local mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

While the exact motive behind the fatal fight remains unclear, authorities noted that the victim was a student at a nearby school.

Law enforcement officials expressed concern over the rising trend of violent attacks among youth in the Eastleigh neighbourhood. Mr Mohamud emphasised that police have intensified efforts to curb the violence, noting that several youths linked to similar incidents in the area have recently been arrested and prosecuted.

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News

Teen, 17, Fatally Stabbed During Altercation with Friends in Eastleigh

Published

2 weeks ago

March 31, 2026

bodywisegardens.com

Police in Nairobi are investigating a tragic incident in which a 17-year-old student was stabbed to death during a confrontation with his peers in the Eastleigh area.

“The body of the deceased was found with multiple stab wounds to the chest and back,” police stated. The remains have since been moved to a local mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

While the exact motive behind the fatal fight remains unclear, authorities noted that the victim was a student at a nearby school.

For more, click HERE to join our WhatsApp channel!

Cover Story

Heartbreak as Body of 12-Year-Old Blessed Claire Muthoni Arrives Home from India

Published

2 weeks ago

March 31, 2026

bodywisegardens.com

Kenyans are mourning the loss of Blessed Claire Muthoni, a brave 12-year-old girl from Kihuri in Othaya, Nyeri County, who passed away while undergoing specialised cancer treatment in New Delhi. Claire had been fighting stage 4 cancer for over three years.

The aggressive disease took a heavy toll on her young body, eventually leading to the amputation of one of her legs. Despite the pain and the many challenges she faced, Claire remained hopeful and courageous throughout her journey, inspiring many who followed her story.

On January 19, 2026, she travelled to India with her mother in search of advanced treatment aimed at saving her remaining leg and managing the cancer that had spread to her lungs. The journey was filled with hope, supported by Kenyans from all walks of life who contributed towards her treatment and kept her in their prayers.

A brave fight

While in India, Claire underwent several chemotherapy sessions. Unfortunately, her condition worsened after developing complications, leading to her admission to the Intensive Care Unit. She passed away in hospital last week, leaving behind a grieving family and a nation that had stood with her.

On Monday, March 30, 2026, her remains arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The atmosphere at the airport was filled with grief as family members, friends and well-wishers gathered to receive her. Her mother returned home alone, carrying a loss no parent should have to endure.

Claire will be laid to rest in her home area of Othaya in the coming days, as her family begins the difficult process of saying their final goodbyes.

Her story touched thousands across the country, many of whom followed her journey through updates and fundraising efforts. She became a symbol of strength and resilience, and her passing has deeply affected those who had hoped to see her recover.

Beyond the grief, her story has once again brought attention to the challenges families face when dealing with childhood cancer in Kenya. The high cost of specialised treatment, limited access to advanced care locally, and the emotional and financial strain on families often force many to seek treatment abroad.

Read our March issue here