The County Government of Nakuru has reiterated its commitment to rescue, rehabilitate and integrate street children and families.
Chief Officer in the ministry of Gender, Culture and Social services Abduba Tume said the program is ongoing and called on other partners and well-wishers to come on board.
In an interview, Tume asked for patience from Nakuru residents adding that the program needs collective efforts from the society.
She also said the program entails children and youths accepting that they need care and rescue.
According to Tume, it is a challenge dealing with street children as they 'usually run away from the homes they are taken to'.
“As a county, we set up a centre at Menengai that is basically where the street children and families are taken care of. They get to meet our counselors and social services officers and gradually they get to open up and tell you who they are,” said Tume.
She added that the National government has also agreed to partner with county in admitting those below 12 years to children’s homes.
She also revealed that they use the court to handle street children who have parents and homes.
The magistrate attached to the Children’s court commits such parents to take care of their children as per the law.
Those that do not have homes are engaged in the rehabilitation process.
“We have already identified Njoro Home craft as an institution that will be renovated and turned into a Rehabilitation Centre for the street children who have no homes,” the CO added.
Nakuru county government was on the spot recently after up to 40 street children from Nakuru town were allegedly found dumped in a forest in Baringo County.
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