馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Daycare centers in Kenya drive economic growth and empower women, research finds
via Tuko4 min read
New research indicates that daycare centers in Kenya are crucial for economic growth and women's empowerment. Access to affordable childcare helps mothers reduce unpaid care work, creating employment opportunities, fostering business growth, and improving family welfare. These findings were presented at a Nairobi conference involving daycare providers, parents, development partners, researchers, and government officials. Participants challenged the perception of daycare centers as mere holding places for children, asserting their evolution into vital economic and social services that support child development and women's workforce participation. A study by Population Council Kenya, Tiny Totos, and the Consortium of Women Empowerment in Nairobi's low-income settlements found that quality childcare significantly reduces the time mothers spend on childcare, enabling them to pursue employment. Dr. Timothy Abuya of Population Council-Kenya highlighted the broader economic impact, including food supply chains, transport services, and community savings groups formed by mothers. Quality daycare also leads to improved child development, better nutrition, and increased economic participation among caregivers, with consistent attendance linked to positive developmental outcomes in language, social-emotional growth, and overall well-being. Despite these benefits, the sector faces challenges, particularly regarding regulation and licensing costs. Faith Kamande, a daycare operator, noted t
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Former Nairobi governor Mike Sonko has called for swift justice following the death of Kenya Medical Training College KMTC student Eugene Malivi Mutuku, who died after falling from a moving public service vehicle on Thika Road. Sonko assisted Mutuku's family with funeral arrangements, including clearing mortuary expenses and transporting his body to Kawethei Village, Ndithini Ward, Kivaa Ward, Masinga Sub-County, where he was laid to rest. During the funeral, Sonko condemned the increasing cases of passengers being subjected to dangerous treatment by public transport crews and urged investigative agencies to expedite inquiries into the incident. Mutuku's parents, siblings, friends, and classmates remembered him as a humble, disciplined, and ambitious young man. Representatives from KMTC described him as a dedicated student leader. Mutuku, who was pursuing a Healthcare Assistant course at KMTC Yatta Campus, died on June 5 after an incident involving a Nicco Movers minibus. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events. Family members and Sonko have appealed for justice and stricter enforcement of safety standards in the public transport sector.
More than 150 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, biomedical engineers, and surgical residents, completed a two-day advanced surgical skills workshop at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi. The training, held from June 19 to 20 under the Nairobi City County Government, focused on advanced laparoscopy, therapeutic endoscopy, and WALANT Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet techniques. Surgeon Francis Kaara stated the program aims to address a critical gap in public healthcare by equipping frontline medical personnel with modern surgical skills, leading to improved patient outcomes, reduced recovery times, and shorter hospital stays. County officials highlighted that this training will expand the availability of advanced surgical procedures in Nairobi's public hospitals, reducing the need for patients to seek specialized treatment elsewhere. Chief Officer for Health Facilities David Sande Oyolo affirmed the commitment of both county and national governments, under Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto, to improving healthcare services and access to modern medical technology. President Ruto is also expected to commission an additional facility at Mama Lucy Hospital. Mama Lucy Hospital Board Chairman Elias Meli encouraged continued investment in professional development and innovation.
Must ReadKenya's Supreme Court has ruled that unexplained wealth or large bank deposits alone are not sufficient grounds for asset forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Act POCAMLA. The court dismissed appeals by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission EACC and the Assets Recovery Agency ARA concerning KSh 19.7 million held in businesswoman Pamela Aboo's Equity Bank accounts. The judges emphasized that anti-graft agencies must prove a direct link between targeted assets and a specific criminal offense before seeking forfeiture. This decision upholds an earlier Court of Appeal ruling and reinforces constitutional protections against arbitrary deprivation of private property. The Supreme Court found that state agencies failed to meet the legal threshold, stating that forfeiture proceedings cannot be based merely on suspicion or unexplained financial transactions. The court also criticized the investigation for not thoroughly examining Aboo's explanations for the funds and for not including her husband, the alleged source of the criminal proceeds, in the suit. The Supreme Court ordered the EACC and ARA to bear the costs of the case and directed that the freeze on Aboo's bank accounts be lifted.