The Ministry of Health has announced a nationwide crackdown on public institutions that have failed to establish creche facilities for female employees, warning that non-compliance will no longer be tolerated.
Speaking on Monday, December 29, 2025, during a press briefing, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the absence of childcare facilities has quietly become a crisis, especially for teachers, public officers, and new parents.
“We are seeing young mothers forced to juggle work, learning, and childcare under very difficult conditions. This distraction affects productivity, mental well-being, and ultimately the quality of service delivery in our institutions,” Muthoni said.
According to the PS, many public institutions have treated the crèche requirement lightly since it was enacted into law. That grace period is now over.
“As of January, we will begin firm enforcement. This law carries full legal weight, and institutions must comply. Childcare is not a privilege; it is a right and a necessity for a productive workforce,” she added.
At the same time, she raised alarm over a sharp increase in drug and substance abuse within learning institutions, describing the trend as a growing threat to both schools and surrounding communities.
“Recent ministry surveys indicate that some learners are being introduced to drugs while in school and later spreading the habit back home. We will not sit back and watch as this crisis escalates. What starts in the classroom quickly finds its way into neighbourhoods.”
Further, she revealed that in response, the Ministry of Health has adopted a whole-of-government approach, partnering with the Ministry of Education to roll out joint interventions beginning next week.
“Teachers have been urged to remain vigilant and to carefully scrutinise items students bring to school. Manufacturers are now targeting children directly,” she cautioned, noting that some substances are disguised with sweeteners and packaging that closely resembles legal products, making them difficult to detect.
Additionally, she disclosed that schools have been asked to allow impromptu inspections of classrooms and dormitories, where learners spend most of their time.
She warned that failure to act decisively could trap an entire generation in a cycle of drug abuse.
“Heads of institutions, teachers, and discipline officers have been instructed to immediately intensify checks on learners’ bags and personal belongings and to take swift disciplinary action where violations are found. Without urgent intervention, the future of our children and the safety of our communities will be under serious threat,” she warned.
