County Launches Program to Support Women-Led Businesses

The Nairobi City County has unveiled a new initiative aimed at strengthening and formalizing women-led enterprises across the city. Through a partnership with Kidogo — a social-enterprise focused on early childhood development — the county expects to formalize and support more than 1,000 women operating small daycare centers, providing them with licensing, quality-standards support, and capacity-building resources.
The programme — announced during a public event at the county offices — targets informal mamapreneurs running small-scale businesses in communities across Nairobi. County officials said the move is part of broader efforts to integrate informal enterprises into the formal economy, improve service quality, and offer stable livelihoods for women. As part of the support package, the county will help beneficiaries with licensing and offer guidance on business operations and compliance, helping them transition from informal operations to licensed small enterprises.
Local reactions have been largely positive. Women entrepreneurs and daycare-centre managers described the programme as a timely boost — especially for those balancing business and family responsibilities. Many said that formalization will help them access broader support services, create a safer and more professional childcare environment, and tap into potential funding and growth opportunities. Observers note that supporting women in small business may also contribute to broader social benefits, including improved childcare quality, increased female labour-force participation, and more stable incomes for families.
Looking ahead, the county plans to expand support beyond childcare businesses, exploring similar models for other sectors dominated by women — including agro-processing, textiles, and informal retail. Officials hinted at seeking further partnerships with private sector actors and development organizations to scale up the initiative. If successfully implemented, the programme could set a precedent for inclusive economic growth in Nairobi, helping to narrow gender gaps in business ownership and promoting sustainable livelihoods for women across the city.