Kisii: Street children in Kisii town are appealing to well-wishers for assistance in reforming from street life, highlighting that the efforts by Community Based Organisations (CBOs) are currently insufficient to completely remove them from the challenging conditions of street life. This call for help comes even as the Kingdom Child Community Organisation steps up to provide daily meals, including breakfast and lunch, but is unable to offer supper due to financial constraints.

According to Kenya News Agency, the children, speaking from the Kisii town Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church-where the CBO has been given a structure to operate from-expressed that reforming is difficult. After meals, they are still vulnerable to drug addiction and poor health conditions on the streets. They cited reasons for their street life, such as lack of educational support from guardians, broken families, and parental involvement in illicit activities.

One child, Tom Omboka (not his real name), shared his experience of being forced to drop out of school due to his stepfather’s refusal to pay school fees or engage with his teachers. Tom expressed his willingness to return to school if fully supported. Another child, James Mokaya (not his real name), praised the CBO for its support but lamented having to return to the streets each evening, where peer pressure lures him back into street life.

Joseph Mugaka (not his real name) explained that he ended up on the streets after his parents’ divorce, facing the dangers of cold nights and drug addiction. Similarly, Sarah Moraa (not her real name) shared her story of losing her father and her mother’s involvement in illegal brewing activities.

Thomas Omenta, Chairperson of the Kingdom Child Organisation, explained that their efforts include providing mentorship, meals, guidance, and counseling, with the goal of returning the children to their guardians or school within a year. They aim to address the root causes of street life and educate the children on the significance of academics, drug prevention, HIV/AIDS awareness, and avoiding petty crime.

For those over 18, the organisation assists in obtaining national identification documents to facilitate access to mobile money services, family reintegration, and compliance with legal requirements. Omenta emphasized the potential impact if every faith-based organization in Kisii town adopted a few children, advocating for a collective effort to change lives. He noted the financial challenges faced by the CBO, with meal costs reaching at least Sh7,000 per child for a few months, funded through donations and fundraisers.

Omenta urged parents and guardians to take responsibility for providing adequate shelter, food, and education for their children. He also called on the County government to employ more social workers to assist children as soon as they end up on the streets.