This archive report was first published on 10 September 2021.
With a growing number of working parents in Nairobi, finding reliable and affordable childcare has become a significant challenge. Michael Shisia, a father of two, knows this struggle all too well.
After facing difficulties in hiring and firing nannies for his three-year-old son, Shisia decided to take a different approach and open a daycare centre in 2019, with the help of a grant from the government's youth fund, KYEOP.
Shisia's centre, Daddy Daycare Centre, is a unique venture that specializes in babysitting children below three years old, as well as hosting children above three years old who attend playgroup and pre-primary classes.
What sets Shisia's centre apart is its male-led staff, with most of the caregivers and teachers being men. Shisia believes that this approach allows for a more diverse and inclusive environment for children.
Shisia's centre offers a range of services, including childcare, playgroup, and pre-primary classes, with prices starting from Sh400 per child per day and Sh6,000 per month. Despite the challenges of convincing parents to trust men with their children, Shisia's centre has gained popularity among working parents in Nairobi.
Shisia's journey to opening his centre was not without its challenges. He had to write a business plan and present it at a youth competition to secure the grant that helped him get started.
Today, Shisia's centre is a testament to the power of innovation and determination. By taking a unique approach to childcare, Shisia has created a safe and nurturing environment for children, and has also provided a valuable service to working parents in Nairobi.
