Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced that his administration has successfully reclaimed 117 parcels of previously grabbed public land in Nairobi.
Sakaja made the revelations while speaking at the Collaborative Action for Childcare Annual Conference, held at Strathmore University on Wednesday.
"These parcels will be transformed into outdoor recreational spaces, complete with playgrounds, swings, lighting, outdoor gyms, and hopscotch grids, for the benefit of various estates across the city," Sakaja said.
He emphasized the program’s crucial role in encouraging school attendance by providing safe and engaging spaces for children.
The Nairobi County boss emphasized the need for a solid policy framework to improve childcare services within the city.
“Counties must implement strong childcare policies to strengthen this sector,” Sakaja urged.
Since assuming office, the governor's administration has distributed Sh2.1 billion in bursaries and sponsorships.
This has significantly enhanced access to education for children in public schools and Early Childhood Development Education Centres (ECDEs) across Nairobi.
Brian Mulama, County Executive for Talents, Skills Development, and Care, echoed the governor’s vision.
He called for collective action to draw more funding and develop local resources for childcare.
“The Nairobi regional bloc will lead the charge in demonstrating how united efforts can transform the childcare sector by attracting resources and establishing homegrown solutions,” he stated.
A core element of Sakaja’s vision is a comprehensive six-point childcare strategy, focusing on nurturing care, early stimulation, and improved childcare services.
His plans include the creation of daycare centres in major city markets such as Mwariro and Gikomba.
The governor also highlighted the success of the Dishi na County school feeding program, which has resulted in a 34% increase in enrollment in public schools and ECDEs.
Sakaja pointed out that Nairobi is home to over 7,000 women-led childcare micro-enterprises, providing essential care to around 160,000 children in urban settlements.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing childcare, which he described as crucial to the city’s future.
