KENYA LAUNCHES CHILDCARE CAMPAIGN DIALOGUES AHEAD OF DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD CELEBRATION.

BY NJOKI KARANJA. 

As Kenya gears up to celebrate the Day of the African Child on June 16, a series of Childcare Campaign Dialogues have been launched to address pressing issues surrounding the care and development of children. The campaign, which kicked off with a press conference on June 14 at Tamarind Hotel in Nairobi, will run for six months and culminate on December 31, 2024. 

Organized by the Early Childhood Development Network for Kenya (ECDNek) in collaboration with key stakeholders, the dialogues aim to create awareness and mobilize support for initiatives that promote quality childcare. This year's theme, "Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now," underscores the urgency of ensuring every child's right to education and development.

The launch event in Kitui on June 9 set the stage for the main celebration at Mwatate Primary School in Taita Taveta. The event will be presided over by top government officials and will gather stakeholders from national and county governments, civil society, caregivers, religious organizations, and the private sector.

In his opening remarks, an ECDNek representative highlighted the critical role of families as primary caregivers, emphasizing the need for guidance and support to ensure a safe and stimulating environment for early childhood development. "The health and wellbeing of caregivers are vital for the growth and future potential of our children," he noted.

The campaign addresses significant challenges in childcare, particularly in low-income economies where resources and policies are scarce. According to the World Bank, about 350 million children globally, including 35 million in Africa, lack access to proper childcare. This gap is more pronounced among children under three years old, whose care is often regarded as a woman's role, limiting women's labor participation.

The Childcare Campaign Dialogues will span Kenya's eight economic blocs, tackling issues such as nurturing care, child protection, gender policies, and community participation. The dialogues will also address cultural concerns that negatively impact childcare and propose remedies.

As the nation reflects on the progress made in child welfare and sets new goals, the ECDNek calls for extensive media coverage to raise public awareness on the importance of quality childcare services for children aged 0-5 years. The campaign seeks to inspire debates and enhance public participation in creating an enabling environment for all children to thrive.