Child care in Nairobi

Hi,

when settling in a new country, working parents are mostly concerned about finding child care services for their children.

What can you share with us about the child care system in Nairobi ?

How much is daycare in Nairobi?

Is the staff qualified at these daycare centers?

What are the usual opening hours?

Do they provide other services at the daycare center?

Any daycare center in Nairobi you would like to recommend to other expats? What makes them special?

Thank you for participating! :)

There are so many daycare centers and a few play groups and play areas for kids that have emerged in Nairobi. Finding the right nanny is always a challenge for Nairobi expats and most rely almost entirely from referrals from other expats, friends or workmates who already live in Nairobi. Or you can can use the services of kenyasitters.com, they will help you get a qualified nanny for your young ones even before you land in the country. They are worth trying out.

The prices of Daycare centers vary. The good ones charge about Ksh 1,000 (approx $10) an hour but it may be lower. There may be weekly and/or monthly charges. The competence of the staff in these daycare centers also varies. The daycare centers may also provide food and transport for your child. the daycare centers are open from 8am to 4pm.

Unfortunately I do not know of a daycare  could recommend.

Play Areas for kids;
There are indoor soft play areas at Crossroads Shopping Center, Karen,
Children's World, Adams Arcade, Ngong Road (large)
Westgate Shopping Center, Westlands (small)
There is a nice arts and crafts play area in the Yaya Center, which is supervised.

Hope this is informative.

can you specify - of what age are your children and what part of Nairobi are interested in?

Hi kalique,

Thank you for this helpful information. :)

Actually, I didn't think that there were very many playgroups etc.  These are a very western thing and many Kenyans employ a house girl to help with child care (as did we).  Close family networks also help a lot.

At Kes 1000 per hour, I would rather employ a hous girl/nanny, as it would be far and away the cheapest option.

Private schools often have nursery classes - fees vary, for half days.

Most of the established shopping malls in Nairobi have a play area.  Not sure of the charges.

Thanks for your help Longonot62!

Harmonie.:)

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