Kidogo

Kidogo is addressing the global childcare crisis, where 350 million children lack access to quality care, by increasing access to affordable, quality childcare in East Africa’s informal settlements, starting with Kenya. In these communities, working mothers often face the difficult choice of leaving their children in unsafe environments due to the lack of reliable childcare options. Kidogo's solution is an innovative social franchising model that identifies substandard childcare micro-businesses and provides training in play-based learning, responsive caregiving, and business management. Kidogo also provides ongoing support through mentorship, coaching, communities of practice, and fortified porridge to reduce malnutrition. Unlike traditional NGOs, Kidogo's market-based model creates sustainable, long-lasting impacts. By training local women, known as Mamapreneurs, Kidogo empowers them to develop their businesses, fostering community trust and engagement. In these centres, children receive nurturing, play-based care during their critical developmental years and nutritious food to reduce malnutrition. The model's success is evident, with 92% of children meeting developmental milestones, Mamapreneurs increasing their income by up to 2X, and Kidogo achieving a 33% market share in the communities it serves. Beyond direct services, Kidogo works at the systems level, collaborating with governments, local organizations, and international partners to strengthen the childcare ecosystem. With over 1,500 franchised Mamapreneurs serving nearly children daily, Kidogo has become Kenya’s largest childcare network, making a profound impact on early childhood development and women’s economic empowerment.