By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
Kenya, 21 May 2026 - The Nairobi City County Government has officially launched the Nairobi State of Care Report 2026 alongside the Toolkit for Care Mainstreaming in Planning and Budgeting, marking a historic step toward transforming the city’s care systems.
As many city women struggle to juggle work and childcare, the county government is leading efforts to ease this burden by establishing care centres in local markets.
The unveiling of the report took place at the Iconic Plaza Hotel in the CBD, drawing government leaders, development partners, civil society, and caregivers.
Developed through a comprehensive needs assessment that consulted 21 county officials and 37 organisations, the report provides an evidence base for care-responsive planning.
The toolkit complements this by offering practical guidance for integrating care into budgeting and policy processes.
Together, they aim to strengthen inclusive and sustainable care systems across Nairobi.
The launch was graced by Chief Executive Committee Members (CECMs) from various ministries within the county government, underscoring the administration’s commitment to mainstreaming care across all sectors.
Speakers at the event emphasised that women continue to carry a disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work, particularly in informal settlements.
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They noted that recognising and addressing this reality is critical for advancing gender equality and economic inclusion. As the rallying cry at the event declared: Nairobi County Cares.
“This is more than a report launch — it is the beginning of a real transformation in how Nairobi supports care work,” said officials.
“By mainstreaming care into planning, we ease unpaid domestic workloads, improve sanitation infrastructure, and enhance public health outcomes.”
The initiative is part of the Mainstreaming Care Project, spearheaded by the Nairobi City County Government in partnership with Wow Mom Kenya and supported by Metropolis.
The project emphasises that investing in care systems is not only a social imperative but also a driver of inclusive urban development.
Stakeholders at the launch highlighted the importance of coordination and shared priorities. With Nairobi positioning itself as a leader in care-responsive governance, the event underscored the county’s commitment to building a more equitable and resilient city.