Parents from Mavoko Sub-County have been accused of child neglect, a situation which exposes their children to illegal activities in the region.
Addressing journalists in Athi River Town on Tuesday, shortly after attending the International Literacy Day celebrations at Mavoko stadium, Mavoko Sub-County Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Chairlady, Angeline Malonza, said such parents should take up their responsibilities.
"There are several children idling around because most of the parents from Mavoko Sub-County have failed to effectively take up their parenting roles," said Malonza.
Malonza said majority of the culprits are those whose parents and families hail from the slums that form majority of the residential homes in the region.
Malonza said the parents do not provide their children with food which is the most important basic need, a situation that forces the victims to do everything at their discretion to fend for themselves.
"I have realised that irresponsible parents from Mavoko do not even want to see their own biological children at home. If they do, they become very hostile to them," said Malonza.
Malonza said the children who keep idling in the slums steal items made of steel to sell at scrap metal dealers in Athi River Town.
She said the harsh conditions which such parents put their children in, force them to get involved in other illicit businesses such as bhang peddling and consumption alongside other hard drugs including traditional liquor.