The 2025 National Census for Street Families Report has revealed that the vast majority of people living on Kenya's streets are ready to leave street life if given the right support, presenting counties with an opportunity to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

‎According to the report, 89.2 per cent of street-connected persons expressed willingness to transition from the streets, provided they receive interventions such as decent housing, employment opportunities, vocational training, rehabilitation from substance abuse, family reunification, startup capital and access to identification documents.

‎The findings are particularly significant for Nakuru County, which recorded 1,546 street-connected persons, making it the county with the second-highest street population in the country after Nairobi.

The report offers an evidence-based roadmap for the county to expand social protection initiatives aimed at restoring dignity and improving livelihoods for vulnerable residents.

‎The census paints a grim picture of life on the streets. About one-third of respondents reported sleeping outdoors permanently, while only a small number had regular access to shelter. Most survive through casual labour, waste picking and begging, with food insecurity remaining a daily challenge for many.

‎"Violence and insecurity also emerged as major concerns. More than 42 per cent of those surveyed said they had experienced violence or harassment, mainly from fellow street-connected persons, law enforcement officers and members of the public. Despite the high prevalence of abuse, fewer than three in every 10 victims received any form of assistance following the incidents," the report noted.

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A street child begging a motorist along Kenyatta Avenue

Photo credit: Purity Kinuthia/Mtaa Wangu

‎Additionally, health remains another pressing issue. Nearly half of the respondents reported falling ill within the month preceding the census, with malaria, chest infections and fever among the most common illnesses. Although many sought treatment in public health facilities, the lack of national identification documents continued to limit access to essential government services for thousands.

‎The report recommends coordinated action between county governments, national agencies and development partners to strengthen prevention, rescue, rehabilitation and long-term reintegration programmes that can sustainably reduce the number of people living on the streets.

‎Nakuru County has already initiated efforts to support vulnerable groups through skills development programmes.

Chief Officer for Social Services Gladys Kamuren said the county is in the process of procuring equipment for the Njoro Homecraft Centre to strengthen rehabilitation and empowerment initiatives.

‎"The equipment we are procuring for the Njoro Homecraft Centre will go a long way in not only accommodating vulnerable individuals but also equipping them with practical technical skills that will enable them to earn a living and successfully reintegrate into society," said Kamuren.

‎With thousands expressing a desire to rebuild their lives, the report underscores the importance of sustained investment in rehabilitation, vocational training and social support systems to help street-connected persons transition into stable and productive members of the community.

Nakuru faces urgent call to reintegrate 1,546 street-connected persons

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Muthoni Wanjiku