Mavoko sub-county Children Affairs officer Faith Kamau has urged the county government to rehabilitate street children.
Speaking to journalists in Mavoko town on Friday, the children officer said that the number of street children within Machakos is alarming.
Kamau stated that many children have been abandoned and are roaming the streets. The officer lamented over the reluctance by the government to rehabilitate street children.
“The number of street children roaming the street in Machakos has doubled over the years,” she said.
Kamau noted that at least 10,000 children are on the streets.
She said that the lives and rights of these children have been compromised despite being guaranteed by the constitution.
The official appealed to the Machakos government to establish a fund that will gear towards helping and rehabilitating street children.
The children officer also called for formulation of laws and policies that will protect the rights of children.
She further urged parents to stop child neglect and take their responsibilities seriously.
Kamau said that child neglect by parents and guardians has resulted to rise in number of street urchins.