The County Government of Uasin Gishu, through its Department of Trade, in partnership with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), on Thursday convened a stakeholder engagement meeting aimed at shaping affordable, accessible, inclusive, high-quality and sustainable childcare and daycare services for market entrepreneurs.
The engagement brings together key stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to the childcare challenges faced by traders, particularly mothers who struggle to balance business responsibilities with the care and safety of their children while operating in markets.
Leading the JOOUST is Dr. Carolyne Busienei, who is steering the university’s representation and engagement in the discussions and Research.
The County Government opened the session through Chief Officer for Trade, Elphas Kesio, who was accompanied by Director for Trade Nelly Jerotich, and other senior officials from the Department of Trade. The county leadership underscored the importance of creating market environments that are not only conducive to business but also responsive to the social and family needs of traders.
The meeting has brought together market committees, trader representatives, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other stakeholders, providing an opportunity for those directly affected by childcare challenges to share their experiences, priorities and recommendations.
Development partners, including Hand in Hand and Kidogo, are also participating in the engagement, bringing expertise and experience in childcare, entrepreneurship and community-based solutions.
The discussions are expected to explore key issues including the affordability of childcare services, safety and hygiene, accessibility for children with disabilities, suitable daycare infrastructure, trained caregivers, operating hours that align with traders’ schedules, and sustainable financing and management models.
The partnership between JOOUST and the County Government reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that market development goes beyond physical infrastructure to address the welfare and economic empowerment of traders. By involving traders, market committees, government, academia, persons with disabilities and development partners, the engagement seeks to develop childcare solutions that are practical, inclusive and responsive to the realities of market-based entrepreneurs.
The initiative comes at an important time as Uasin Gishu continues to invest in modern market infrastructure, with childcare provision emerging as a key component in making markets safer, more inclusive and more supportive of working mothers and families.
