Enhancing Women’s Livelihoods, Labor Force Participation, Psychosocial Wellbeing, and Child Development through the Crèche Programme in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya: Findings from a Pilot Study

Abstract

Childcare has been recognized worldwide as a barrier to women’s engagement in productive economic activities both within the home and in paid up work. Parents attach great value to childcare, an integral input into child development and well-being. In Africa, although both parents should be involved in childcare, patriarchy, which dictates gender power dynamics place the bulk of childcare in the hands of women and girls. In Kenya, formal schooling starts at age four, a situation that confines women at home taking care of children and carrying out other domestic work. This situation militates against their full participation in the labor market, hence the need for crèches. This pilot study evaluated the impact of crèches in Tharaka Nithi County on child development, women’s livelihoods, female labor force participation and women’s psycho-social well-being. It also analyzed the determinants of crèche usage and female labor force participation; and the amount of time women spend on childcare and home production. The study aimed at influencing policy and practice in Tharaka Nithi County on the subject with an anticipated scale up. Data was collected through a mixed method approach. Preliminary key findings indicate that lack of formalized childcare significantly reduces the ability of women to participate in labor markets; reduces mothers’ self-reported psycho-social well-being; and is positively correlated with children’s health. Women’s livelihoods in Tharaka Nithi County differ significantly across agro-ecological zones. Therefore, policies for improving women’s economic empowerment ought to take into account geographic, sociodemographics, and levels of social infrastructure, including the types of crèches available.