The county government of Uasin Gishu has cautioned against giving handouts to street children saying it might fine residents for encouraging growth of street families.
Speaking in his office on Monday, county education and social services CeC Kenneth Misoi said the county government has embarked on a program of rescuing street children. He cautioned that anyone encouraging them to stay put on the streets in the form of handouts would be “dealt with”.
“We have identified 60 adult and 300 street children residing on the streets of Eldoret. We are carrying out an exercise to ensure that they no longer stay there by giving them alternatives jobs and taking some to school,” he said
The CeC reiterated that people should come together to support the initiative where they seek to buy sewing machines and open workshops where the street families can be trained to earn a living.
“We should emulate organizations such as Raiply, Kipkeino and Sandrose School who support a number of street children in pursuing their education,” he said.
He gave a warning to parents who leave their children wander in the streets that his office would ensure they are traced found and prosecuted.
“We are working with the county administrators such as chiefs who will help them in identifying parents of the street children.
The CeC also cautioned businesspeople masquerading as well wishers from taking advantage of the plight of the children to enrich themselves
“Owners of Briefcase children homes in the county whose main aim is to siphon money from donors. I am telling them that soon they will be brought to book and exposed to the public,” he added