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In a bid to tackle the escalating challenge of street families in the capital city, Nairobi County is contemplating a novel strategy.
The County Labour and Social Committee, led by Mr Allan Maina Gathuku of Dandora Area One, revealed their ongoing discussions on introducing formal training programs tailored for street children.
Mr Gathuku emphasized that the traditional method of displacing street families and subjecting them to rehabilitation, as witnessed in previous administrations, is not a sustainable solution.
Speaking to the media, he highlighted the need for empowering street children through formal training rather than merely relocating them to rehabilitation centers without equipping them with essential skills.
“They cannot be on the streets forever. We need to empower them. Someone can learn how to drive, how to connect electricity, masonry, carpentry, and such courses to make sure that they are equipped with skills that will be helpful to them,” stated Mr Gathuku.
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The committee is actively working to ensure the involvement of all Members of the County Assembly in this initiative, urging county polytechnics across wards to admit street children.
Mr Gathuku proposed allocating funds from the County bursary to support the project, transforming street children into valuable contributors to society.
This move follows a year-long plea by Nairobi South MCA Ms Waithera Chege, who called for the removal of street families from the streets, citing their alleged involvement in criminal activities.
However, Governor Johnson Sakaja has yet to respond to this motion.
In addition to addressing the street children issue, Mr Gathuku disclosed that his committee is investigating complaints regarding Mji wa Huruma, a home for the elderly.
Concerns about land grabbing, and reducing the facility’s original 17-acre size to 7 acres have prompted scrutiny.
By Kevin Cheruiyot