This archive report was first published on 27 June 2021.
Published on June 27, 2021, a report highlighted the growing concern of street children in Kisii town, posing a security threat to residents.
Several street children in Kisii town jostle for handouts from businessman Okengo Nyambane, but their behavior has become increasingly aggressive. Women in the town have alleged cases of harassment, with the boys demanding handouts and shouting obscenities at those who refuse.
According to businessman and politician Okengo Nyambane, most of the street families have been exposed to drug abuse. He stated, “Drug consumption by these families is motivated by the hard life that they are going through.”
Tragically, five street children have died under unclear circumstances in the last one year. Kisii County Health Executive Sarah Omache acknowledged the issue of street children as a concern for everyone and a reflection of societal challenges.
A social worker in the county, Kefah Nyakundi, revealed that some of the boys have not received medical attention for long, suffering from sexually transmitted diseases. Omache encouraged the ailing children to visit government hospitals, assuring them of guidance, counselling, and rehabilitation services.
Records at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital indicate that 30 sexual violence cases have been reported in the last three months, with eight of the cases reported by street children. The future of street children remains gloomy, with an active group of commercial sex workers in the town luring them.
Furthermore, a disturbing trend has emerged, with a number of pregnant urchins losing their babies. Two women, one living along Kisii-Kilgoris Road and the other around Gusii Stadium, have been delivering almost on yearly basis but there are no traces of their newborns. The two have stayed in the streets for close to 10 years.
