Kidogo Celebrates 10 Years of Transforming Early Childhood Care in Kenya

By James Mutua

(Kidogo CEO Sabrina Habib photo James Mutua)

In a landmark celebration marking its 10th anniversary, Kidogo, a pioneering organization dedicated to improving early childhood care, highlighted its significant strides in transforming the landscape of childcare in Kenya.

Founded by Sabrina Habib, Kidogo has grown from a small initiative to the largest network of early childhood care providers in the country, directly impacting over 50,000 children through a network of 2,000 “mamapreneurs.”

The organization’s journey began more than a decade ago in Mlolongo, when Habib discovered an informal daycare operating out of a woman’s home under deplorable conditions. This moment sparked the realization that Kenya’s youngest generation—especially children aged 0 to 3—were often neglected in informal childcare settings.

Without stimulation, quality care, or proper nutrition, many children were entering formal schooling with significant developmental delays, setting them up for lifelong challenges.

“80% of brain development happens in the first three years of life,” Habib explained during the anniversary event.

“If we provide safe, stimulating, and nutritious experiences for children in their first thousand days, we can transform their futures—and in doing so, transform the future of our communities and our country.”

Kidogo’s mission is clear: to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality care in their early years. Through its innovative approach, Kidogo trains, mentors, and connects daycare providers, whom they refer to as “mamapreneurs.”

These women are not only caregivers but also small business owners running daycare centers within their communities. The organization’s holistic support helps these women improve their facilities, develop essential skills, and deliver high-quality care.

As of now, Kidogo’s network reaches 50,000 children, with plans to expand to 1 million children over the next five years. The organization envisions a future where childcare is universally accessible and valued as an essential service, contributing to a thriving economy.

“We want childcare to be a norm, not a luxury,” said Habib.

“Imagine a country where no mother has to worry about where to leave her child when she goes to work. A country where childcare is considered a key component of economic development.”A key part of Kidogo’s success lies in its commitment to quality.

The organization sets non-negotiable standards for all its mamapreneurs, ensuring that every child receives nurturing, educational, and safe experiences. These standards not only cover the physical environment but focus heavily on the quality of interactions between children and caregivers, which is critical for early development.

“We believe that the experience at a childcare center is what truly matters,” said Habib. “It’s about the connections children make with their caregivers and the safe, positive, and stimulating environment they grow up in.”

Looking ahead, Kidogo is advocating for more governmental support in creating and enforcing national standards for childcare.

The organization has worked closely with the Kenyan government over the years, and during the 10th-anniversary event, key government officials, including representatives from the Office of the President, were in attendance, signaling growing political recognition of the importance of quality childcare.

Habib hopes that childcare becomes a significant issue in future elections. “We want to see a time when mothers across the country ask, ‘What will you do for childcare?’ It should no longer be hidden in the shadows but recognized as a necessary component of a thriving economy,” she said.

The anniversary event also celebrated the achievements of Kidogo’s mamapreneurs, who play a crucial role in shaping the future of early childhood education in Kenya.

“The growth of Kidogo from just two centers to 2,000 is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our mamapreneurs,” said Habib.

“They are not just caregivers—they are entrepreneurs who are providing essential services to their communities, while also earning a dignified livelihood.”

As Kidogo looks to the future, its impact continues to ripple through the communities it serves. With plans to scale up its efforts and ensure that every child has the right start in life, Kidogo is not only changing the way Kenya cares for its youngest citizens but is also laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous nation.