Uasin Gishu County Eyes Childcare Centres in Markets to Ease Burden on Women Traders
Women traders in Uasin Gishu County could soon get relief as the county government moves to introduce childcare facilities within markets.
The county, in partnership with Niera and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), is undertaking a research-driven initiative aimed at developing childcare services that respond to the needs of mothers working in markets.
The program comes at a time when many women in the informal sector are grappling with the dual responsibility of earning a living and taking care of young children. With no affordable childcare alternatives, many are forced to bring their children to their stalls.
Stakeholders who met in Eldoret during a public engagement forum said the initiative seeks to address that gap by creating safe spaces for children within market centres.
“Many of our business people are mothers with children. Our government has said that we need to look at the needs of our children,” said one county official who addressed the forum.
The engagement was designed to give parents a chance to share their experiences, challenges and expectations when it comes to childcare in markets.
Project officials said the goal is to use research evidence to design practical childcare services that reflect the realities of women traders and market communities.
“The unique part of this collaboration is that we are using research to provide evidence to develop services that are sensitive to the needs and realities of women and the market communities,” a project representative said.
Under the proposed model, children will have access to safe areas where they can sleep, play, change clothes and receive nutritious meals as their mothers conduct business nearby.
Cleanliness, health and proper nutrition are at the centre of the proposed facilities. Stakeholders stressed that childcare centres must uphold high hygiene standards to shield children from diseases common in crowded market environments.
The program also calls for well-trained caregivers to ensure children receive professional care, protection and early stimulation.
Mothers who spoke during the forum welcomed the move, saying it would give them peace of mind and improve their productivity.
“As a mother, I see that having a place for the children to sleep is very good. It has also helped us as mothers because there is a place where the children can sleep, they can play and they can change their clothes during the day,” one trader said.
According to stakeholders, investing in childcare is not just about child welfare but also about empowering women economically. When mothers know their children are safe and well cared for, they are able to focus, work longer hours and grow their businesses.
The county and its partners say they will continue to work together to translate research findings into real childcare centres within markets, with the broader vision of making all markets in Uasin Gishu child-friendly and supportive of working mothers.
They noted that sustained collaboration between government, researchers, market leadership and development partners will be key to the success and expansion of the initiative.
