The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, has called on Kenyan mothers to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, amid declining national statistics and rising use of bottle feeding.
Speaking at Rongo University in Migori County during World Breastfeeding Week, Muthoni expressed concern that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding has dropped from 62 percent in 2014 to 60 percent in 2022. Early initiation of breastfeeding has also fallen slightly, from 63 percent to 61 percent over the same period.
Bottle feeding, in contrast, has risen sharply from 22 percent to 34 percent, a trend Muthoni described as worrying and detrimental to infant health.
She emphasised that exclusive breastfeeding enhances a child’s immune system and strengthens the bond between mother and child.
This year’s theme, which focuses on prioritising breastfeeding and creating sustainable support systems, aligns with Kenya’s efforts to reduce infant mortality by 13 percent. Muthoni said breastfeeding should be recognised as a human right.
The Health Act of 2017 requires employers to provide breastfeeding and daycare spaces for working mothers. Muthoni highlighted government initiatives including a 90-day maternity leave and 14-day paternity leave, as well as the role of community health promoters who provide hygienic and nutritional education at household level.
Migori County reports that 15 percent of girls under 18 give birth, a figure that Muthoni warned could further erode breastfeeding rates due to the lack of proper facilities in schools.
Governor Ochilo Ayacko reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding through community health workers and the creation of daycare sections in markets.
Rongo University Vice Chancellor Professor Samuel Gudu added that the university’s new daycare facility has helped both students and staff balance childcare and academic responsibilities.
