Kenya is set to be the first country in Africa to adopt a comprehensive National Care Policy, marking a historic step toward recognising and valuing care work that has long remained invisible.
Developed by the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, the policy aims to address the needs of caregivers and those they support, including children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and the terminally ill, while promoting gender equality and economic inclusion.
During the final stakeholder validation workshop, Secretary of Gender at the State Department Josephine Obonyo described the policy as a timely and transformative initiative.
She noted that the process began in 2017 and has involved extensive consultations with state and non-state actors.
Key partners such as UN Women, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) have played a significant role in shaping and supporting the policy.
“This policy comes at a crucial time as it recognises the essential role of caregivers, most of whom are women and girls, to ensure that their work is not only acknowledged but also rewarded. Beyond recognition, it promotes redistribution, allowing caregivers time to engage in other activities that can improve their lives and contribute to the economy,” Dr Obonyo said.
Credit Author: Mercy Kachenge – People Daily Newspaper
