The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has called out school Heads of Institutions (HOIs) who frustrate their teachers from enjoying a two hour break each school day to lactate their children.
This was raised during training of headteachers and principals on TSC performance contracts.
In August last year, the Commission approved for lactating mothers to be given permission for 2 hours daily for a period of two months immediately following resumption of duty, after completion of their maternity leave.
The provision of a two hours daily permission was intended to facilitate a smooth transition to mothers resuming duties after Maternity Leave, while ensuring they are able to attend to the needs of their new-borns.
However some schools heads are said to be frustrating this arrangement which is anchored in Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) 2025-2029 signed between TSC and teacher unions.
This permission is however not without responsibility on the part of the teachers.
According to the Commission the teacher must sought the permission in writing and this must be formally approved by the Head of Institution.
Heads of Institutions who require such permission must apply to the Sub-County Directors for approval.
Below is the circular that was released by TSC directing a two hours daily permission to lactating mothers.
TEACHERS SERVICE COMMISSION
Our Ref: TSC/ADM/192A/VOL.X/57
Date: 18th AUGUST, 2025
CIRCULAR NO:13/2025
TO: ALL TEACHERS
PERMISSION FOR LACTATING MOTHERS POST-MATERNITY LEAVE
The Code of Regulations for teachers (2015) read together with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (2025-2029) makes specific provisions for Maternity, Paternity and Preadoptive leave.
In line with the said provisions, all teachers are eligible for only one leave at a time.
This notwithstanding, the Commission is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our teachers with specific reference to new mothers.
To this end, it has been decided that lactating mothers be given permission for 2 hours daily for a period of two (2) months immediately following resumption of duty, after completion of their maternity leave.
The provision of a two hours daily permission is intended to facilitate a smooth transition to mothers resuming duties after Maternity Leave, while ensuring they are able to attend to the needs of their new-borns.
To operationalize the provisions of this Circular, all teachers and respective Supervisors are required to take note that:
1) The two-hour permission is effective from the date of resumption of duty postmaternity leave.
2) The timing of the daily permission can be adjusted in consultation with the Head of Institution, ensuring minimal disruption of curriculum delivery.
3) Permission must be sought in writing and formally approved by the Head of Institution.
4) Heads of Institutions who require such permission must apply to the Sub-County Directors for approval.
5) This provision is applicable only for a two-month period from the date of resumption from Maternity Leave.
The purpose of this Circular is to draw your attention to this crucial milestone in our teacher management space.
E. J. MITEI (MS)
Ag. COMMISSION SECRETARY/CEO
Copy to
Mr. Collins Henry Oyuu
Secretary General,
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT),
P. O. Box 30407-00100,
NAIROBI
Mr. Akello M. T. Misori
Secretary General
Kenya Union for Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET)
P.O. Box 30412 – 00100
NAIROBI
Mr. James Torome
Secretary General
Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET)
P.O Box 7941 8- OOI OO
NAIROBI
All TSC Regional Directors All TSC County Directors
All TSC Sub-County Directors