This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On August 21, 2019, Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) expressed concerns over the increased number of street children and families in the city, noting that the problem has turned into a social nightmare.
The MCAs, led by nominated MCA Margaret Mbote, called for the development of a comprehensive policy with programs aimed at rehabilitation of street children and families.
Ms Mbote pointed out that the problem of street children or families in Nairobi City has increased, affecting businesses in the city center.
She noted that below the veneer of a dirty street person is a well-calculated and thriving drug and alcohol business where the street people are used as mules to transport drugs and alcohol.
Ms Mbote also highlighted the issue of street families or children resorting to extorting money from innocent pedestrians and motorists through all sorts of tricks.
City Hall Security and Compliance Chief Officer, Tito Kilonzi, had earlier called for the enactment of a law allowing for the detention of disabled foreigners fueling the influx of street families in Nairobi.
The Consortium of Street Children estimated that there were over 60,000 street children in Nairobi in 2016.
Ms Mbote also called for the county government to complete the construction of Ruai Rehabilitation Center for rehabilitation of street families and children and integrate street children in the existing children's homes.
