Childcare Partnership Meeting - 24th Jan 2025
Semara Childcare Partnership Meeting - 24th January 2025
On January 24th, 2025, a joint partners' meeting was held in Machakos County to discuss the implementation of the “Childcare Models to Advance Women’s Economic Empowerment in Kenya” project. This two-year initiative (2024-2026), supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is a collaboration between the University of Nairobi Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Hub, the County Government of Machakos, and Jitegemee Children’s Program.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and childcare practitioners, to align on their roles and the project's goals. The WEE Hub will lead research, policy advocacy, and oversight, the Machakos County Government will establish daycare centers and provide policy and technical support, while Jitegemee Children’s Program will manage the centers daily.
This project builds on the success of a pilot initiative in Busia County, where the WEE Hub demonstrated how access to childcare services positively impacts women’s economic activities and children’s well-being. In Machakos, the project aims to provide evidence-based childcare solutions that reduce the burden of unpaid care work, support women's economic participation and leadership, and shift gender norms around caregiving.
The project targets children aged 0-4 years and seeks to improve their well-being and school readiness while enhancing women's ability to engage in income-generating activities. With the County Government’s prioritization of childcare as a development strategy, this initiative is set to empower women, strengthen families, and contribute to sustainable community growth.