Demand For Parliament To Introduce Policy For Kenyan Women After Jahmby Koikai's Death

A petition launched by Nguvu Change Leader, Sylvia Awinja is seeking to compel the government to introduce paid period leave for Kenyan women, in the wake of the untimely demise of menstruation warrior and reggae entertainer Mary Njambi Koikai, alias Jahmby.

The petition was uploaded on Change.org, the world's largest online petition platform, on May 10, 2023, and it has garnered over 7,444 signatures out of the required 7,500 by the time of publishing this story.

Speaking to Viral Tea, Awinja, backed by the Nguvu Collective, urged the government to treat Jahmby's tragic death as a wake-up call, and urgently introduce the policy which would present a monumental relief for Kenyan women. 

"Through her tireless advocacy, Njambi Koikai always appealed for timely care to be accorded to women's menstrual health. Her tragic death is a stark reminder of how menstruation cannot be taken lightly. This is a wake-up call for our country.

Photo of Sylvia Awinja. /HANDOUT

"How long will we continue to ignore the crippling pain women face every month and act as if everything is normal?" she posed.

Njambi often disclosed how painful her condition was due to Endometriosis, through her videos, revealing that she went through 21 surgeries to resolve her health issues, a disease she would sadly succumb to.

Similar to Njambi and scores of other women who experience severe menstrual pain, Awinja shared her experiences of excruciating pain during menstruation that cripples her from showing up at work.  

"Even when she was enduring severe pain, Njambi used all her available platforms to raise awareness about menstrual health. It is incredibly pressurising for a working woman to be undergoing pain that numbs her mind and body and yet, performs at her usual pace.

"Many countries have acknowledged paid period leave as a right for women. But what about the menstrual rights of Kenyan women? Kenya should make Paid Period Leave a reality in Njambi Koikai's memory," urged Awinja. 

Awinja in her online petition urged the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, and the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Labour and Social Protection to enact legislation that will mandate all employers in Kenya to grant women employees who are experiencing painful or uncomfortable menstrual symptoms paid three days off work per month. 

As per the petition, periods are a normal occurrence but the pain associated with it has been normalized to the disadvantage of women. 

This natural cycle comes with different levels of discomfort, distress and pain, at times so severe that women can barely perform normal functions like walking, let alone being able to be fully present and concentrate at work.

"Did you know that doctors at University College London who’ve been researching period cramps have finally ruled that these pains are as painful as heart attacks. Expecting us to work under such circumstances is not just inhuman but also a violation of the right to fair treatment in the workplace," it describes in part.

Five countries have made paid period leave a right with Zambia leading Africa. Spain was the latest to join the list. In February it provided women the right to take up to three days off work if they are experiencing period pain.

Awinja expressed her eagerness for Kenya to become the second African country to make paid period leave a reality. Her petition is calling for the National Assembly to enact legislation that will mandate all employers under the Republic of Kenya to:

1. Grant women employees who are experiencing painful or uncomfortable menstrual symptoms paid three days off work per month. 
2. Increase sick leave days and indicate clearly that it includes period-related symptoms

"There is overwhelming evidence that period leaves have a tremendous positive impact on all employees as it indicates the intentions and commitment of the employer to the holistic health and wellbeing of the employees.

"It has also been observed from countries that have implemented paid period leave that it has resulted in reduced stigma and an increase in comfortability and productivity for all staff including those who would not ordinarily experience period pain. Contrary to popular belief, paid period leave will lead to more women joining the workforce and this will boost the economy as well," adds the petition.

Reggae MC Jahmby Koikai (right) with nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba (left). /JAHMBY KOIKAI