According to the Kenya Employment Act, female employees are entitled to three months’ paid maternity leave, while male employees are entitled to two weeks’ paid paternity leave.

Wajackoyah has however pledged to amend the Act and committed that in his administration, expectant mothers will be entitled to be away from work for nine months during the duration of the pregnancy and later extend for another three months after delivery.

“I will work out with my experts in that field. I will definitely have to bring in Canadians who have taken women values very highly to help me formulate the policy,” he said.

The 62-year-old who is seeking to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in the August polls emphasised that the women agenda is dear to him and vowed to go an extra mile to protect their welfare.

“I grew up without a mother. I was a street boy and women in my government will be protected,” he said.

In Canada, pregnant mothers have an option to go on maternity leave for 12 months or 18 months.

In his plan, Wajackoyah pointed out that his administration will make the pregnant mothers state projects and offer them a stipend to support them through the nine-month period.

By Fred Azelwa.