Urgent Call for Protection of Street Families

The Commission (NGEC) convened a crucial consultative meeting to address the challenges faced by Kenya’s estimated 300,000 street-connected children. Held at the NGEC main boardroom, the half-day session gathered key government agencies, civil society organizations, child protection experts, and community leaders to review current interventions and chart a path toward more coordinated and inclusive support for street-connected children and their families.

The meeting opened with a stark reminder of the harsh realities these children face daily. Violence, social exclusion, and gender-based risks remain widespread among streetconnected populations, leaving many vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. “Every child deserves safety, dignity, and access to education,” a senior NGEC official declared, setting the tone for the urgent discussions that followed.

Participants shared data and frontline experiences showing that street-connected children continue to face significant barriers to accessing essential services, including health care, education, and social protection. Girls living on the streets are especially vulnerable to sexual exploitation and abuse, a concern repeatedly highlighted throughout the session.

Beyond the children themselves, the meeting recognized the families behind these street-connected children, stressing that they are not invisible and their rights must be upheld. Poverty, family breakdown, and lack of social safety nets were identified as key drivers pushing children onto the streets, prompting calls for interventions that address these root causes holistically.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to act as a convening and coordinating body, aiming to strengthen partnerships between government departments, NGOs, and community groups. Stakeholders agreed that a multi-sectoral, integrated approach combining social welfare, education, health, and legal protection frameworks is essential to improving outcomes for street-connected children and families.