Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been called to domicile a rehabilitation centre for street children and families to bring order and sanity to the city.
According to Nairobi South Member of County Assembly(MCA) and Deputy Minority leader Waithera Chege, Sakaja should make a one-month notice for the removal of the street dwelling in the streets of the county purporting to be involved in the social economic activities.
She called on for the fast track of the building of the Ruai rehabilitation centre to sustain the street families after they are moved from the streets.
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"The county should fast-track the construction and equipment of the Ruai rehabilitation centre. This will facilitate a better life for the families," Waithera stated.
The legislator stated that street families and kids are vulnerable as they are exposed to harm and exploitation.
"It is disturbing that we even see the children begging, and hawking which deprives them of their basic rights. Let there be apprehension to ensure the kids are directed to Ruai upon the expiry of the one-month notice by the county," she added.
Waithera also added that a development policy be made and Street Children exploitation prevention which will seek to deter street children exploitation and promote school enrollment forthwith.
Supporting the motion, Highrise-Makina MCA Kennedy Oyugi said a one-month notice is too long and it's something that should be dealt with quickly.
Further, the members have called on the different counties and neighbouring countries to take care of some of the children who are released into Nairobi from the different said areas.
"Waithera has indicated that a one-month notice should be given and according to me, that's very long. This is an issue that should be dealt with quickly as it will be good seeing the children unite with their families," Oyugi stated.
On his part, Lindi Samson Jerah Ochieng called on wives to allow their husbands to bring their children who are out there as street kids because it's a hindrance and has led to an increase in the number.
"One thing that we must admit is that some of our wives chase away kids that have been sired out of wedlock. I call them to allow them in and this will reduce the number in the streets," he stated.
This comes as street kids have been accused of mugging, pick-pocketing, and snatching items from members of the public.
Nairobi County has the highest number of street kids in the country with a record of 15,337 as per the 2019 census report.
