Women’s participation in economic development is impeded by their early childcare roles. However, child care facilities present an opportunity for redistribution of unpaid care work that is largely performed disproportionately by women. Generally, childcare provision in most urban informal settlements and rural settings are highly informal, little policy attention has been directed to unpaid care and domestic work and particularly childcare. Early childcare is an intense 24-hour activity that consumes the time of women thus reduces their mobility as well as time and freedom to engage in income generating and social activities.
Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development (CCGD) is partnering with the University of Nairobi WEE-Hub, Ministry of East Africa Community and Regional Development, Uthabiti Africa and East Africa Civil Society Organizations’ Forum to initiate a child care program along the border counties – Kwale, Busia and Kajiado counties.
The programs’ main objective is to; enable mothers/parents to access quality affordable childcare and free mothers to engage in income generation activities including trade, entrepreneurship and employment. The project is also intended to assist redistribute the burden of childcare from mostly mothers.
“Since its inception on 2nd August 2021, the Busia Childcare Centre has admitted a total 37 children; 20 boys and 17 girls,“ said Agneta Okumu, the Busia Childcare Administrator. “The youngest is three-months old and eldest is three years and seven months old, “she added.
The Centre has trained caregivers with capacity to handle children safely within the recommended COVID-19 guidelines and. they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Speaking during their engagement with CCGD, majority of women cross-border traders said that the creation of the facility is a relief to them and their businesses and that their profit margin has increased tremendously since the inception of the facility in August.
According to Veronica Makoha, a member of Busia Women Cross-Border Association, the creation of the facility has provided her with sufficient time for her business.
“For now, I have all the time, all my concentration and focus will be on my business,” said Veronica.
The facility also offers space where the young mothers whose education has been affected by the burden of early childcare responsibilities. The daughter of Almerida Ayoko is one of the beneficiaries of the facility.
Almerida says that the Centre has not only helped her but has also helped her daughter who was able to get back to school.
“This Centre has been of great relief to me, since bringing Mary here I am able to do my business without any hindrance, her mother too has also gone back to school to continue with her studies,” said Almerida.
She urges the young mothers in Busia County to seize the opportunity and bring their children to the facility so that they can get back to school.
“I call upon the young mothers who have left their children with their parents at home to bring the children to Centre so that they can be relieved from the burden of childcare.”
Further, her business has grown since she has reduced spending while on the business as compared to when she used to carry her child to the business.
“Initially, I used to save Ksh. 300 per day in the merry go round (chama) but at moment am doing Ksh. 500 per day,” she said.
