Govt Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Institutions Without Breastfeeding Centres

The Ministry of Health has announced a nationwide crackdown on public institutions that have failed to comply with the law requiring the establishment of creche facilities for female employees.

PS for Public Health and Standardization, Mary Muthoni, said the lack of childcare services has become a major issue, particularly for teachers, public officers, and students who are new parents.

She noted that this gap has caused distractions at workplaces and learning institutions, lowering both productivity and overall well-being.

According to the Ministry, many institutions have treated the law lightly. Enforcement will begin in January to ensure that the legislation carries full legal weight.

Authorities stressed that creche facilities are essential for supporting working parents and maintaining efficiency in schools and other public institutions.

Joint Measures to Combat Drug Abuse in Schools

In addition to enforcing the creche law, the Ministry of Health has raised concerns over the increasing infiltration of drugs and substance abuse in learning institutions.

Ministry surveys indicate that some children are adopting harmful habits while in school and passing them on to their communities. Officials warned that the crisis could escalate if left unaddressed.

The Ministry is taking a whole-of-government approach and is working closely with the Ministry of Education to address the menace.

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Joint interventions are set to start next week, with teachers encouraged to scrutinize what students carry to school. The Ministry cautions that some manufacturers are targeting children with sweetened products that closely resemble legal substances, making detection difficult.

Impromptu Ministry Inspections and Swift Disciplinary Action

Authorities have called for impromptu inspections of classrooms and dormitories where learners spend most of their time.

Teachers, school heads, and disciplinary officers have been instructed to intensify checks on students’ bags and personal effects. Swift disciplinary measures are to be taken where violations are detected.

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The Ministry emphasized that failure to act now could condemn an entire generation of learners to a vicious cycle of drug abuse.

Officials cautioned that without immediate intervention, the well-being of children and the safety of neighborhoods across the country would be at risk.

The Ministry’s dual focus on enforcing creche facilities and tackling drug abuse highlights its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of both students and working parents nationwide.