Women and girls in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) continue to bear the heaviest burden of unpaid care work, a challenge that hinders their economic empowerment and social well-being.
To address this, the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Human Development (IHD) has launched the Catalysing Care Innovations in Marginalised and Vulnerable Communities of Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (CARE FOR ALL) project, aimed at reducing and redistributing unpaid care work while promoting quality childcare and early childhood development (ECD) services.
Implemented in Isiolo and Lamu counties and funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the initiative seeks to create opportunities for women to pursue education, employment, and leisure by providing reliable childcare options.
“Isiolo and Lamu counties form part of Kenya’s ASAL regions, where economic challenges, limited access to quality ECD services, and cultural norms often contribute to the inequitable distribution of caregiving responsibilities,” said Linet Kaloki, ECD Technical Specialist at IHD.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, women in Kenya spend four to five hours daily on unpaid care work compared to about one hour for men.
The disparity not only constrains women’s participation in income-generating activities but also limits their potential contribution to national development.
Prof. Amina Abubakar, Director of IHD, emphasised that establishing quality childcare and ECD centres can transform women’s lives and community well-being.
“Provision of quality childcare centres allows women to engage in economic and recreational activities. These centres can also become a source of economic empowerment for women while enhancing children’s health, school readiness, and overall development,” she said.
Through the CARE FOR ALL project, IHD and its partners hope to foster environments where caregiving is shared more equitably and where quality childcare becomes a cornerstone of community growth.
Meanwhile, in line with the global observance of the International Day of Care and Support (IDCS 2025), Lamu County has taken a complementary step by validating its new Child Protection Policy. The policy was finalised during a three-day workshop at Malindi Pearl Hotel, marking a milestone toward safeguarding children’s rights and improving family-based care structures.
Governor Issa Timamy, EGH, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutionalising child protection, care, and empowerment as a collective county priority.
Deputy Governor Dr Mbarak Bahjaj underscored early prevention and family-based care as key to building stronger, more resilient communities.
The workshop, attended by county officials, community leaders, and child welfare experts, gathered extensive public input calling for enhanced healthcare, better ECD infrastructure, child rescue centres, and stronger regulations to combat abuse and exploitation.
Moving forward, the county aims to incorporate community feedback into the final policy draft and establish operational frameworks for sustainable protection and care programs.