On 2^nd August 2024, KEPSA Foundation took part in the national launch of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2024 at Lang'ata Women’s Maximum Security Prison. This year’s WBW is themed "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All," under the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). The event, led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, was officiated by Ministry of Health Deputy Director General, Dr. Sultani Matendechero.

KEPSA Foundation donated food items valued at over Ksh. 300,000, courtesy of BIDCO Africa, Pearl Dairy Farms, Upfield, and Winnie's Pure Health.

While representing UNICEF, Nutrition Program Specialist Ms. Laura Kiige acknowledged 6 KEPSA Foundation's role in raising awareness and advocating for the Breast Milk Substitutes Act of 2012, as well as implementing the Better Business Practices for Children initiative within the private sector. She highlighted that over 1000 companies were sensitized and over 100 have now established lactation stations and provide breastfeeding breaks to support working breastfeeding mothers.

Speakers emphasized the importance of collective responsibility to ensure that every mother receives the necessary support to exclusively breastfeed. Special attention was called to women in special circumstances, including those in prisons, schools, informal sectors, on the streets, and those affected by emergencies.

The event also recognized Lang'ata Women's Maximum Prison for its substantial support to pregnant and breastfeeding women, the children accompanying incarcerated mothers, and the prison's staff.

The prison's economic empowerment initiatives were highlighted, particularly the Chandaria Foundation-sponsored workshop, which serves as a model for how women can learn baking and textile skills. Through this workshop, women can earn income, which helps support their families and provides seed capital for starting their own businesses.

The Officer in Charge, CP Esther Lochoto, acknowledged the ongoing challenges and gaps in the infrastructure needed to accommodate the growing number of incarcerated mothers and their children. She welcomed partnerships aimed at expanding the daycare and maternity facilities, as well as improving the diet for the over 60 children currently in the prison.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Sultani Matendechero, emphasized the need for a comprehensive needs assessment at the prison to identify and prioritize policy development and implementation. This would ensure that both the inmates and their children can lead more comfortable lives.