The KU-WEEHUB Crèche Programme ,launched on January 28th 2021, is a making meaningful contributions aimed at enhancing women’s economic empowerment in Tharaka Nithi County. Spearheaded by Kenyatta University’s Women Economic Empowerment Hub (KU-WEEHUB) in collaboration with the Tharaka Nithi County Government, the programme offers accessible childcare services at local market centers, allowing mothers to engage in income-generating activities and pursue education while ensuring their children receive quality care.
The Crèche Programme is designed to alleviate the childcare burden faced by working mothers.facilities, strategically located within local market centers, provide essential services such as early childhood education, child protection, and health monitoring. This arrangement not only makes it easier for mothers to balance work and childcare but also ensures that their children receive quality care and development in a safe environment.
Launched at Chuka Market in 2021, the programme has gained significant support from local and international stakeholders. One of the central figures driving the programme’s success is Prof. Judith Waudo, the Lead of KU-WEEHUB. Her leadership has been pivotal in ensuring the programme’s growth and continued impact. Additionally, Yale University’s Economic Growth Center, the University of the West Indies, and Bangor University have all contributed interdisciplinary expertise to the programme, solidifying its foundation.
The programme’s success has been largely driven by the strong partnership between the Tharaka Nithi County Government and Kenyatta University. The county has been instrumental in providing infrastructural support, including the establishment of the childcare centers and funding, which has helped sustain the programme’s growth. Furthermore, materials for the crèche services, such as educational resources and furniture, are sourced from local businesses.
Research has been a key focus of the programme from the outset. A randomized controlled trial is currently underway to assess the programme’s effectiveness in reducing the childcare burden and increasing women’s economic participation. The findings of this evaluation are expected to guide the programme’s future improvements and expansion.
The programme’s success at Chuka Market has sparked interest in expanding to other areas within Tharaka Nithi County and potentially to other counties across Kenya. The expansion plans aim to provide more working mothers with the opportunity to engage in economic activities, further boosting the local economy.
The university also recently hosted the 2nd Annual Conference on Women’s Economic Empowerment, where the Crèche Programme’s impact on women’s labor force participation was discussed. This annual conference, held at the Kenyatta University Conference Centre, also provided a platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore key issues related to women’s empowerment.
Additionally, the KU-WEEHUB Crèche Programme aligns with broader global development goals, including UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
