With the capacity to accommodate up to 15 children at a time and provide adequate breastfeeding support in the workplace, the County Government of Uasin Gishu launched the state-of-the-art eldoret city breastfeeding space on Tuesday.
The space primarily targets County staff by ensuring a more convenient and efficient experience for them thereby enhancing public service delivery, while they take care of their young ones.


This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding for All,” which coincides with the commemoration of World Breastfeeding Week highlights the vital importance of ensuring that every mother receives the support and resources she needs to breastfeed exclusively, fostering the optimal growth and development of her child.


Speaking while officially launching it, County First Lady H.E Salina Bii, noted that breastfeeding is more than a natural practice because it is a fundamental pillar of child health and nutrition, providing essential nutrients and antibodies, bolstering the immune system and setting the stage for a healthy future therefore reducing maternal health risks and providing a cost-effective form of contraception.
“As a County, we recognize breastfeeding as a crucial element of child health and various programs have been implemented to encourage and support breastfeeding,” she said.
Mrs Bii further encouraged other institutions to adopt this model that fosters a wider network of safe and supportive breastfeeding environments by embracing partnerships such as Kidogo to ensure that every mother has a dedicated space to care for her child, thus enhancing maternal and child health across our community.


On her part, Lands County Executive Dr Janet Kosgei who represented Health Services CECM Dr Abraham Serem noted that this model of breastfeeding support will not be limited to the Uasin Gishu District Hospital and are replicating this facility across all the county facilities, ensuring that breastfeeding mothers have access to the same level of support and comfort.
“By promoting exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continuing for two years and beyond, we are taking a crucial step toward closing the gap in maternal and child health,” said Dr Kosgei.
The CECM also added that space is important for enhancing inclusivity of the mothers thus encouraging young mothers to have children and utilise the space as they work on their duties.


Promotive and Preventive Health Chief Officer Dr Paul Wangwe urged other institutions to be cognizant and ensure that babies get proper nutrition by embracing such programs.
The new breastfeeding space will provide Private Booths to ensure mothers can breastfeed comfortably and discreetly, A Breast Milk Cooler will keep expressed milk fresh and safe. These Child-friendly areas will house toys, changing, nap, and play areas to engage and care for children, a Handwashing Station to promote hygiene for both mothers and children and lastly, entertainment and rest areas designed to support the overall comfort of mothers.


Present were Chief Officers Marion Birgen (Education), CPA Victorine Kapkiai (Economic Planning), Ruth Samoei (Cooperatives), Directors Dr Evans Kiprotich (Health), Dr Sarah Kipkulei (Planning and Administration) and Faith Seroney (Branding).