Uasin Gishu Deputy governor Daniel Chemno. He blamed locals for encouraging street families and beggars. [Photo: Joe Khisa]
Generosity among locals in Uasin Gishu county has been named as a key factor contributing to the ever-increasing number of street families and beggars in Eldoret town.
According to Uasin Gishu Deputy governor Daniel Chemno, locals, especially those who reside near Eldoret town easily give out handouts and food to the street children and beggars.
Speaking in Eldoret on Wednesday, Chemno said this has encouraged more street families to migrate into the town from the neighboring counties and countries.
"Most of our people are too generous and this, without their knowledge has encouraged more street families and beggars to come into the town knowing that at end of the day with will have something to take home," Chemno said.
"Some of the beggars are used to source cash from unsuspecting members of the public since we have reliable information that they are always dropped at strategic areas in town by a vehicle early in the morning on a daily basis," he added.
The Deputy governor advised locals to stop giving handouts to the beggars and street families and instead consider supporting rescue centers established in the county.
"Instead of giving cash to a person on the streets which ends up in someone's else pocket, it is better you support a rescue centre and deals with genuine needy children," he said.