Kiambu: Stakeholders in Kiambu County have renewed calls for the enactment of the Childcare Facilities Bill, 2024, saying the proposed law will strengthen childcare systems and help address the burden of unpaid care and domestic work largely borne by women and girls.
According to Kenya News Agency, the consultative meeting, convened Wednesday by the Directorate of Gender and Social Services in partnership with ‘Youth Alive Kenya’, a local Non-governmental Organization that advocates for social justice, gender equality, and community empowerment, brought together county officials, civil society actors, and community representatives, to review the Draft Bill and formulate recommendations to be submitted to the Kiambu County Assembly.
The proposed legislation seeks to promote the recognition, reduction, redistribution, and rewarding of Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) through improved access to affordable, safe, and quality childcare services.
Speaking during the meeting, Kiambu County Director for Gender and Social Services, Mary Kirobi, said the Bill represents a significant milestone in strengthening social protection systems and promoting equitable sharing of care responsibilities within communities. Kirobi noted that many women continue to shoulder the greater responsibility of caregiving, limiting their opportunities for economic empowerment and participation in development activities.
‘The Bill marks a significant step toward addressing unpaid care and domestic work by promoting its recognition, reduction, redistribution, and reward,’ she said. She added that the County government remains committed to supporting policy frameworks that enhance access to quality childcare services, as a way of empowering families and promoting socio-economic growth.
According to Kirobi, the stakeholders reviewed the current draft of the Bill and proposed key recommendations aimed at ensuring the legislation adequately responds to the needs of caregivers, childcare providers, and families across the County.
Representatives from ‘Youth Alive Kenya’ described the proposed law as a critical intervention in advancing gender equality and improving the welfare of children and families. Lawrence Gatejwa, the Organization’s Programs Manager, said strengthening childcare systems should be viewed not only as a social concern, but also as an economic and justice issue.
‘Once enacted, the Act will strengthen access to quality, safe, and inclusive childcare services, while easing the disproportionate care burden carried by women and girls,’ said Gatejwa. He noted that discussions during the consultative forum focused on reviewing the current Bill and developing recommendations that reflect the realities faced by caregivers, childcare providers, and households.
Gatejwa said effective childcare systems are essential in enabling women to actively participate in economic activities while ensuring children grow up in safe and supportive environments. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the proposed legislation will provide a comprehensive legal framework for the establishment and regulation of childcare facilities in Kiambu County.
The recommendations from the meeting are expected to be forwarded to the Kiambu County Assembly for consideration as the legislative process progresses.
