Register and license a daycare (childcare centre) in Nairobi
Nairobi City County, Nairobi City County Child Care Facilities Act 2017 · sources read 4 Oct 2026
In Nairobi you may run a daycare (more than five unrelated children under 6) only if it is registered and licensed by the county under the Child Care Facilities Act 2017. Apply in writing to the county education sector with the prescribed form, fee, premises sketches and clearances, then pass a premises inspection.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- How long
- At least 60 days, because the county must first publish a notice in the County Gazette
- Where
- Nairobi City County, Education sector (the county department for education, children and social services). Other counties have their own childcare laws.
What you need
- The prescribed application form and fee
- A sketch of the rooms with measurements, showing separate boys' and girls' toilets, hand washing points, doors and windows
- A sketch of the outdoor play area and equipment, showing whether it is fenced
- A daily activity schedule suited to the children's ages
- A signed commitment to discipline and guidance rules, including a Child Protection Policy
- Names and addresses of two referees
- Clearance from EACC, the County Public Health Department and the DCI, plus proof of firefighting equipment
Steps
- Get ready first: hire trained early childhood teachers, check every staff member's good conduct and medical certificates, and install firefighting and first aid equipment.
- Apply in writing to the county education sector on the prescribed form, pay the fee and attach the sketches, activity schedule, policy, referees and clearances.
- The county inspects the whole premises to check you meet the licensing rules.
- Before granting the licence the county publishes a notice in the County Gazette, and the public has 21 days to object.
- Renew at least 30 days before the licence expires, with a fire and safety inspection report and a quality assurance report.
Watch out
- Running an unlicensed daycare in Nairobi is an offence: a fine of up to KSh 1 million or up to 4 years in jail.
- The licence is for your premises and cannot be transferred, so moving or selling the daycare means a new licence.
- Nairobi's detailed regulations under this Act were still a draft in late 2025, so confirm the current form and fee with the county education office.
Who can apply
- Anyone running a place that cares for more than five children, all under 6 and not related to the provider
- Teachers must be at least 18 and trained in early childhood education at a recognised institution
- All staff must be 18 or older, with a certificate of good conduct and a medical certificate
Official sources (2)
- The Nairobi City County Child Care Facilities Act, 2017 (No. 7 of 2017) nairobiassembly.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Nairobi County Unveils Strategic Blueprint with Kidogo Early Years to Transform Childcare System nairobi.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026