Residents of Likoni have called for amendments to the proposed Mombasa County Childcare Facilities Bill, 2026, urging the county authorities to lower registration fees for childcare centers to make compliance more affordable for operators.
The concerns were raised during a public participation forum held at Likoni Social Hall, where caregivers, education stakeholders and child rights advocates gathered to give their views on the proposed legislation aimed at regulating childcare facilities across the county.
The Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive framework for the assessment, registration, licensing and management of childcare facilities in Mombasa County. It also aims to strengthen institutional accountability and safeguard the welfare and rights of children in line with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
According to the proposed legislation, the county intends to provide a legal framework that will enhance the quality and efficiency of childcare services while ensuring that the best interests of every child are upheld.
The Bill further seeks to promote shared responsibility among adults in protecting children regardless of their relationship with the child and provides for regular assessments of childcare centers to ensure compliance with the law.
However, stakeholders expressed concern over the cost implications of the proposed fees, arguing that many small and medium-sized childcare centers may struggle to meet the financial requirements.
Under the Bill, childcare facilities will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Sh1,000 and a provisional registration fee of Sh5,000. In addition, annual license fees have been proposed at Sh7,000 for Tier One facilities, Sh17,500 for Tier Two facilities and Sh35,000 for Tier Three facilities. Home-based childcare facilities would pay a Sh1,000 application fee, Sh1,000 registration fee and an annual license fee of Sh1,000.
Grace Kiama, Director of Trester Academy, said the fees should be reviewed to make them affordable, especially for institutions that charge low school fees. She noted that many day schools that charge Sh10,000 and below per term would find it difficult to sustain operations if the proposed charges are implemented without amendments.
“The fees that we are being asked to pay are too high. We need the relevant clauses amended and the annual license fees reduced to affordable levels. These views should be taken into consideration before the Bill is passed,” said Grace
She also called for the review of the Sh1,000 application fee required for obtaining certificates of good conduct for caregivers. According to her, local administrative structures such as chiefs and village elders should be involved in vetting caregivers to provide a more accessible and affordable alternative for those seeking approval to work in childcare facilities.
Child rights advocates also used the forum to raise concerns over cases of child abuse and delayed reporting of offences involving children.
Stephen Ndolo, Secretary of Undugu na Uwiano Human Rights Organisation in Mombasa, emphasised the need for increased awareness on child protection and urged parents and guardians to report cases of defilement and abuse immediately to the relevant authorities.
“Child matters are very sensitive and should be treated with the seriousness they deserve. Reporting a defilement case after several days may compromise investigations and hinder justice. Parents should report such cases promptly to the police, education officers or village elders so that action can be taken,” said Ndolo.
He further stressed that offenders who violate children’s rights should face the full force of the law, adding that stronger enforcement mechanisms are necessary to deter abuse and protect vulnerable children.
Representing the County Education Committee, Abdalla Hussein assured participants that the views and recommendations collected during the public participation exercise would be considered before the Bill is finalised.
He said the county government values the contributions of stakeholders and remains committed to developing legislation that balances the need to regulate childcare services with the realities facing operators.
by Mary Mtawa
