Street families mark International Day with hope and calls for inclusion in Kamukunji
The families were served breakfast and lunch and received free medical checkups.
Over five hundred street families from across Kamukunji Constituency gathered to mark the International Day for Street Children. The event, which brought together men, women, and children living on the streets, aimed to highlight their plight and offer basic services while helping them feel part of the society.
The families were served breakfast and lunch and received free medical checkups.
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Counseling sessions were also provided, with professionals speaking to individuals and families about issues they face on the streets.
Throughout the day, children and adults participated in games, including football and dancing activities.
During the event, several participants raised important issues. Among them were requests to access national Identification Cards, job opportunities, and medical services, especially circumcision for boys.
Many expressed the desire to leave street life, but said it was difficult due to rejection and stigma from the wider community.
Zulfa Wanjiku, a member of one of the street families, said that many women on the streets had no choice but to end up there.
“Some were left by their husbands and because no one took them in and they had no job, they ended up on the streets,” she said.
Over 500 street families from across Kamukunji Constituency attended the International Day for Street Children celebrations. pic.twitter.com/n6ZWLBhIUn
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) April 12, 2025
Zulfa added that although many mothers want their children to get an education, schools often refuse to admit them.
California MCA Hashim Kamau attended the event and assured the families of county government's support. He said that he had already initiated a circumcision programme for boys living on the streets.
“Free circumcision prevents them from contracting several diseases such as STIs and we are ready to offer any services to them,” said Hashim.
Religious leaders also participated in the celebrations. Ali Muhsin Ali, the deputy Imam of Riadha Mosque in Pumwani, said that helping others is a duty, regardless of religion. The mosque had prepared chicken biryani for everyone attending the event.
“They are our brothers, they are our sisters and they need the support of each and every one of us,” said Ali.
He also quoted the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), saying, “I and the caretaker of an orphan will be like this in Paradise,” while holding his index and middle fingers close together.
Ali emphasised that no person is better than another and that all people are equal.
Several organisations participated in the event by offering food and basic supplies including milk, bread, and other food items.
Organisers said the purpose of the event was to remind the public that street families deserve care and support like any other members of society.
The families left the event with some hope, but also with a message to the public—that they are willing to return to a normal life if only given the chance.
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