The Nairobi City County Government (NCCG) has announced a partnership with Kidogo, a social enterprise focused on early childhood development, to formalise and strengthen informal childcare centres across the county.
The programme will provide licensing, quality standards, and business support to more than 1,000 women operating small daycare centres.
The initiative is aimed at improving childcare services while supporting women’s economic empowerment.
Over 1,000 Mamapreneurs, women running informal centres in Nairobi and neighbouring counties, attended the celebration.
These centres, often overlooked, play a critical role in enabling working parents, particularly mothers, to participate in the city’s labour market.
Nairobi County Executive for Talent, Skills Development and Care, Brian Mulama, described the partnership as a milestone in expanding childcare quality and accessibility.
He noted that the county is seeking additional partners to meet rising demand, pointing to the expansion of the county’s school-feeding programme.
“I appeal to other social enterprises to partner with us so we can ensure the development of our children is fully supported,” Mulama said.
“Today, the Dishi Na County initiative has reached over 320,000 children in Nairobi. Our goal is to reach one million by mid-next year.”
Kidogo CEO and co-founder, Sabrina Habib, underscored the contribution of Mamapreneurs to urban communities.
“Childcare providers have long been under-recognised and under-appreciated for the vital contribution they make,” Habib said.
“Our goal is to help these women thrive as entrepreneurs while offering better childcare services to families living in informal settlements.”
The annual Kidogo Nairobi Gala, which convenes Mamapreneurs and Papapreneurs from across the metropolitan region, continues to serve as a platform for sharing experiences and strengthening collaborations in childcare delivery.
Kidogo currently operates in 12 counties and more than 100 communities nationwide.
