Kiambu Youth Affairs Chief Executive Michael Waikenda has raised an alarm over the influx of street children in the county.
Mr Waikenda said the number of street children roaming the streets had increased especially in towns like Thika, Kiambu, Ruiru, Juja among others across the county.
He observed that children are dropping out of schools and joining streets a move he said threatens the future of the county.
Waikenda said that there is need for parents and guardians to ensure they cater for the needs of their children to stop them from joining streets.
To address the problem, Waikenda said the Kiambu county government was working on programmes that will help in rehabilitation of street children.
“The county is working on programmes that will empower street children so that their future can be guaranteed,” said Waikenda in a statement read on his behalf by Ruiru MP Esther Gathongo during the ‘Chapati’ Forum at ‘Watu Wa Maana’ Children Home in Ruiru on Saturday.
Ruiru MP Esther Gathongo who spoke at the forum said that street children have been neglected.
“Many people see street children as a problem, as outcasts yet these kids need opportunity to better their lives,” she said.
The MP said that she was working with Children Homes in the constituency to provide for the needs of the kids including taking them to school.
Gathongo urged both the national and the county government to spearhead rehabilitation of street urchins and give them development opportunities.