The Nakuru County government has been challenged to come up with rehabilitation centres to cater for the increasing number of street children in the towns.
According to the Nakuru Business Community report (NABUCO), the number of street children has increased in the past five months and the situation is worsening. Nabuco has appealed for help as the children in the streets are becoming a threat to business operators and customers.
Jane Wanjeri, a fruit vendor along Kenyatta Avenue said, “Sometimes the boys snatch wallets and can even run away with fruits from my wheelbarrow. I do not feel safe anymore.”
According to John Kimotho, a psychology professional and counselling lecturer at Westmont College, the increase in the number of street children has been motivated by factors ranging from high cost of living, irresponsible parenting and lack of proper sensitisation on the need of education by all stakeholders.
Kimotho says, “High population rates have led to some of the children becoming beggars which also blends joblessness and drug addiction at early ages. These are some of the sensitive issues we should address.” Kimotho.
The psychologist says the county government should establish a rehabilitation centre and campaigns for anti-street children to be launched which will bring together all stakeholders in combating the menace.