Activists in Mombasa County have urged the government to prioritize the safety of street families saying they reserve an equal right as stipulated in the constitution.
The lobbyists want the government to put up shades in strategic locations where the families can be taken care of.
Speaking to the media in Mombasa on Friday, One Nation Under God (ONUG) Executive director Mary Oyier said the society has neglected street families asking Kenyans to assist the lot.
She says in partnership with Kizingo Girls, a lady driven community-based organisation, they are reaching out to vulnerable families in the community.
She wants devolved units throughout the country to map out all families living in the streets in a bid to establish accurate data of their population.
“They are our brothers and sisters. We are trying to reach out to them so that we can empower them,” said Oyier.
She, however, says there is a need for parents to ensure that they play their parental obligations in a bid to curb the surge of families flocking in the streets.
Kizingo Girls Community based organisation Chairperson Mariam Omar urged the government to support the initiative saying they are part of the larger society.
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“Let us come together and assist these vulnerable families. We shall only be able to curb this problem should we work together as a family,” said Mariam.
She adds “we aim to rehabilitate their minds. They have a home like any other person and we must look after them,”
Women and Youth Resource Centre lobbyist Pauline Were said the government plays a crucial role in ensuring vulnerable groups lead decent lives.
She adds that like any other Kenyans vulnerable groups including street families have an equal right before the law.
“We need to ensure that vulnerable families lead decent lives. It is upon the government to ensure all Kenyans are safe,” noted Ms Were.
According to the National Census of Street Families Report conducted in April 2018, there are 46,639 street persons spread across the 47 counties.
Most of the street persons were males comprising 72.4 percent,
Majority 21,550 persons were aged 19-34 years followed by children aged below 19 who were 15752 persons.
The report indicates that Nairobi has the highest concentration of street persons (15,337) Mombasa (7,529) Kisumu (2,746) Uasin Gishu (2,147) and Nakuru (2,005).
I think the government needs to play a big role in ensuring that the street families are catered for just like other normal Kenyans because it’s not their wish to be in the street.
Good work be blessed