Kidogo Early Years, Kenya’s leading social enterprise in affordable early childhood care and education, hosted its 11th Annual Gala Celebration honouring women who are transforming the lives of children in low-income communities through high-quality, community-led childcare. The annual gala this year introduced a special recognition, the “Papapreneur Award”, to celebrate men who have stepped up as caregivers and are redefining social norms around childcare.
Held at St. Andrews P.C.E.A., Nairobi, the celebration reflected on a decade of dignified childcare and brought together Kidogo caregivers, government leaders, development partners, and early childhood experts to recognize the caregivers at the heart of Kidogo’s mission.
Speaking during the event, Kidogo CEO and Co-founder Sabrina Habib, said: “For 11 years, we have celebrated the incredible caregivers who make dignified childcare a reality in our communities. The work our Mamapreneurs and Papapreneurs do reminds us that childcare is not just a family need but is infrastructure that strengthens our economy, empowers parents, and gives every child the opportunity to thrive.”
For over a decade, Kidogo has championed the belief that every child, no matter where they are born, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Founded in 2014, the organization identifies, trains, and supports community caregivers, women and men, to run safe, affordable, and high-quality childcare centres in low-income settlements. They are now called Mamapreneurs and Papapreneurs.
Through its social franchising model, Kidogo has built a nationwide network that delivers measurable impact. As of 2024, Kidogo reached 54,684 children under the age of five, supported 1,986 Mamapreneurs across 12 counties, and ensured that 94% of childcare centres met its highest quality standards. Children in Kidogo centres are thriving, with 94% meeting age-appropriate developmental milestones and malnutrition rates dropping by 35% (stunting) and 46% (underweight) within a year.
Kidogo’s work has also enabled thousands of women to build sustainable livelihoods. On average, the centers in Kidogo’s network earn KSh 43,000 per month, while providing safe, stimulating environments for children and allowing parents, especially mothers, to work or study with peace of mind.
“When childcare works, families work, and when families work, communities grow,” added Sabrina. “Our goal is to reach even more families by 2026.”
As Kidogo marks this milestone, the organization calls on the public, corporates, and policymakers to partner in building a future where all children can thrive, and caregiving is recognized as a vital pillar of Kenya’s social and economic progress.
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