By Phares Mutembei
Hundreds of street children and those living in children’s homes, gathered at the Pumwani Secondary School recently to celebrate the International Street Children Day.
The children pleaded for their rights and presented a memorandum to the Government and the United Nations to rescue them from disease, hunger and homelessness. The event was organised by the Kenya Alliance for the Advancement of Children Rights, Maisha Poa and others.
“I used to live on the streets, but a Good Samaritan helped me out, and I am now in a children’s home. There are many children living on streets and we beg the Government to get them out,” says 13-year-old Tobias Ochieng’, who lives at Raha Kids, Kibera.
“It is tough for a child to live on the streets because they have nobody to take care of them. All children should live in a safe place and go to school. I want to continue studying hard, go to university and become an accountant,” adds Ochieng’.
Nelson Etabo, now in Class Five, lived on the streets of Nairobi before he was rescued and taken to Joseph Kangethe Centre.
“I am lucky because I now eat well and go to school. Many other children are not lucky and are still on the streets, suffering. The Government and the United Nations should help them,” says Etabo.
Ali Ronald, 13, also used to survive on the streets before he was rescued. He wants all children, currently on the streets, to be taken to children’s homes and others back to their homes, if possible.
“If our Government loves all children, it should make sure there is not even one child on the streets. Life there is tough. There is no good food, clothes, shelter and school. They sleep in the cold and it is worse when it rains,” says Ronald.
Separately at Thika Gardens, the International Street Children Day that was organised by the Ministry for Children, Gender and Social Development and Action for Children in Conflict, was attended by hundreds of street children and those in homes. They showcased talents in acrobatics, drama, song, dance and other arts.
