The Nairobi County government has commenced the process of formalising Community Childcare Centers across the country's capital.
In a statement on Tuesday, November 18, the county government said that it aims to formalise 1,900 centres which support over 55,000 children daily so that they may operate as recognised microbusinesses.
Community Childcare Centers are early learning and development centers set up and sustained by local communities to provide care and education for children aged three to six.
These centers care for these young children so parents can work or attend school.
The county government asserted that the move will be fundamental in elevating the standards and safety of these centres, in addition to supporting individuals, who are mostly women, who are running these centres.
"The announcement was made during the 2025 Kidogo Mamapreneurs Gala, where county officials emphasised the critical role these caregivers play in the city’s care economy," the statement read.
"Currently, the centres support around 55,000 children daily, allowing thousands of working parents, especially mothers, to pursue employment while their children are cared for in safe environments," it added.
According to Nairobi City County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Talents Development and Care, Brian Mulama, the initiative aligns with Nairobi’s broader goal of uplifting communities and expanding opportunities for women.
"Through regulatory support, training, and community engagement, the county hopes to professionalise childcare and strengthen early childhood development services," the county stated.
The announcement comes almost two months after the county government announced that it is in the process of making the Ksh2.1 billion Dishi na County programme permanent and part of Nairobi's Education system.
The Dishi na County model, which was introduced in mid-2023, is designed to be accessible to all students, where all parents pay a nominal fee of Ksh5, facilitated through a Tap2Eat payment system embedded in a digital Near Field Communication (NFC) watch.
In a notice dated September 25, Godfrey Akumali, Head of County Public Service, assured that if the School Feeding Policy (2025) sails through, every child learning in a Nairobi public institution will receive safe and nutritious meals daily, which will improve education, health, and social protection outcomes.
