Former National Campaign Against Drug Abuse (NACADA) chairman John Mututho has criticized the Nakuru county government for sidelining vulnerable groups, particularly street families.

Referring to the recent ban on feeding program, Mututho faulted the decision which he says was rushed without clear and realistic plans.

‎‎"Let the government find a solution first before halting programs that have supported the well-being of street children. They should do a progress report on how they have handled the street Families issues since January after the food ban," he says.

Former NACADA chairman and legistalor John Mututho speaks during the International Day for Street Children celebrations

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

Speaking in Nakuru city during the marking of the International Day for Street Children the former Naivasha MP notes that insufficient efforts have been made toward reintegrating street children with their families or providing sustainable alternatives.

‎‎" Much as the numbers of street Families continue to increase by the day it is possible to depopulate them in a human way. Rehabilitation is a key thing which could be done in several phase to clear the drugs of their system and get them to school and have them back in society as productive as they can be," he explains.

According to Mututho, it is the responsibility of both the county government of Nakuru and the national government to ensure the safety and well-being of the vulnerable members of the society

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

‎‎He further warned that as the year 2030 approaches, the government’s plan to close down children’s homes may not be realistic.

‎‎‎‎‎‎On the other hand, Nancy Ndegwa, founder of Realz Hands of Love, emphasized that this year’s theme, “Protect, Not Punish: Strengthening Access to Justice for Street-Connected Children”, calls for urgent and deliberate action at the county level.

‎‎She notes that more needs to be done, especially in light of ongoing violations of the rights of street families.

‎‎According to her, cases of harassment and attacks by county law enforcement officers and vigilante groups, particularly at night, remain a major concern in Nakuru.

‎‎Ndegwa also points to the recent food ban in the county, saying it has worsened the situation, leaving many street families struggling to access basic necessities.

Nancy Ndegwa, founder of Realz Hands of Love feed speaks during the International Day for Street Children celebrations .

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

‎‎As the world observes the International Day for Street Children, human rights groups are intensifying calls for the protection of street families, especially as their numbers continue to rise.

‎‎They accuse the government of neglect, citing failure to fully implement policies designed to safeguard the rights of street-connected children, including access to education, healthcare, and social protection.

‎To mark the day tens of street families in Nakuru participated in the Ibada Mtaani program, a grassroots initiative bringing hope and recognition to children living on the streets.

Nakuru ranked second in population of street-connected persons

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