Kidogo Celebrates A Decade Of Transforming Early Childhood Care In Kenya
The Mt Kenya Times 
Kidogo CEO Sabrina Habib issuing her statement to the press
By Cynthia Masibo
Kidogo, a pioneering organization dedicated to improving early childhood care, marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration of its remarkable achievements and an ambitious vision for the future. The milestone event highlighted Kidogo’s evolution from a small initiative to the largest network of early childhood care providers in Kenya, impacting over 50,000 children through its innovative “mamapreneurs” program.
Founded by Sabrina Habib, Kidogo began its journey in Mlolongo, where Habib encountered an informal daycare operating under deplorable conditions. This experience sparked a realization: Kenya’s youngest children—especially those aged 0 to 3—were often neglected in informal childcare setups, leaving them without the stimulation, care, and the nutrition essential for their development.
“Eighty percent of brain development happens in the first three years of life,” Habib explained during the 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 to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality care in their early years. Central to this mission is the “mamapreneurs” model, which trains, mentors, and supports women operating daycare centers in their communities. These women are not just caregivers but also entrepreneurs, running small businesses that deliver high-quality care while earning a dignified livelihood.
Kidogo’s network has grown to include 2,000 mamapreneurs, serving over 50,000 children across the country. The organization’s approach focuses on holistic support—improving facilities, developing essential caregiving skills, and maintaining non-negotiable standards to ensure nurturing, educational, and safe environments for children.
“The experience at a childcare center is what truly matters,” Habib emphasized. “It’s about the connections children make with their caregivers and the safe, positive, and stimulating environment they grow up in.”
Kidogo’s 10th anniversary also served as a platform to unveil its future goals. The organization aims to expand its reach to 1 million children over the next five years. Habib expressed a vision of universal childcare accessibility, calling for greater governmental support and recognition of childcare as a critical component of economic development.
“Imagine a country where no mother has to worry about where to leave her child when she goes to work,” Habib said. “Childcare should be a norm, not a luxury.”
The anniversary event was attended by key government officials, including representatives from the Office of the President, signaling growing political recognition of the importance of quality childcare. Kidogo has collaborated with the Kenyan government on policy initiatives and is advocating for the creation and enforcement of national childcare standards.
The event also celebrated the resilience and dedication of Kidogo’s mamapreneurs, who have been instrumental in the organization’s growth. “The growth of Kidogo from just two centers to 2,000 is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our mamapreneurs,” said Habib.
Looking ahead, Kidogo continues to drive change in Kenya’s childcare landscape, ensuring that every child has the right start in life. As the organization scales its efforts, it is not only transforming communities but also laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous nation.
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