Kajiado County Assembly has this afternoon adopted a motion moved by Hon. Grace Parantai that seeks to establish and equip lactation stations in public places.
According to the motion mover schools, transportation termini, markets and shopping malls need to have physical facilities for the breastfeeding mothers and the newborns.
Special elect member said that for good health, care and descency for the newborns and breastfeeding mothers, “we need to act for their good considering the many challenges.”
Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Moipai underscored the fact that it is indeed timely that the lactation centers are established in strategic places across the County. Adding that the areas must be easily accessed by mothers. “Modern life as a result of increased population, breastfeeding women require a place that befits condition for them to lactate their children for healthy growth and development,” said Hon. Moipai.
Deputy Speaker and Magadi Ward MCA Joseph Masiaya said that larger percentage of children are suffering from malnutrion due to inadeqaute areas to breastfeed children.
“Many mothers choose to take their children to daycare centers because they have duties and assignments to undertake hence denying the children valued nutrients. Their working environments cannot provide ambiance to breastfeed,” said Hon. Masiaya.
He called on department of health to fast track the establishment of lactation stations to reduce malnutrition among the children.
Special elect member Hon. Rebecca Supeyo wondered why there are gazetted smoking zones yet establishment of lactatinng mothers has been a contest for so long, stating that it is about time that even lactating stations be introduced and equipped to standards that give comfort to mothers and children.
If taken up by ministry of medical services and health Kajiado County will follow some of the best practices taken up by local corporates and global institutions
