A multi-agency team has been established in Mombasa to tackle the growing crisis of street families and the rising begging culture, which county officials now warn poses a security threat.
Transport, Infrastructure and Governance CECM Daniel Manyala said the team brings together national and county government departments, alongside humanitarian agencies, to implement a coordinated response.
“We have formed a multi-agency team to address the issue of street families and the escalating begging culture in our county. This has now become a security threat in our city,” said Manyala.
He noted the increasing visibility of children living and working on the streets, often engaging in risky behavior such as chasing vehicles.
“We are seeing people sleeping on the streets everywhere, and children running after vehicles in different parts of the city. This situation is worsening,” he added.
Authorities have now rolled out a daily enforcement operation that will run for one month, supported by a joint task force bringing together all relevant agencies.
“This time, we are doing it together. All departments, national and county, are working as one because we understand this problem cannot be solved in silos,” Manyala explained.
The operation, which has already commenced, will include heightened night patrols, particularly within the Central Business District.
“You should expect increased security, especially at night. We are not going to fight those on the streets, we are going to rescue them and move them to safer environments,” he said.
Officials also appealed to residents to reconsider informal charity practices, warning that well-meaning generosity may be worsening the problem.
“Mombasa is known for its generosity, but this has in one way or another contributed to the situation. While helping is not wrong, we must understand its impact on the economy and the security of our city,” Manyala said.
Public Administration, Youth, Gender and Sports CECM Jonathan Wepukhulu emphasized that children living on the streets are highly vulnerable and often subjected to abuse.
“Many of these children are being abused. In the mind of the governor, they deserve the same rights as any other child. That is why they must be removed from the streets and given a chance at a better life,” he said.
Wepukhulu revealed plans to establish a Mombasa Street Families Trust Fund to streamline donations and support rehabilitation efforts.
“This fund will ensure that support is organized and directly improves the lives of vulnerable children and families. We also want to empower them through skills programmes so they can contribute positively to society,” he added.
Authorities confirmed that children will be removed from street environments, even if accompanied by their parents.
“If a child is living with you on the street, then the situation has already failed. The government will separate the child and take them to a safe place. The parent will also be taken to a different safe environment,” Manyala said.
In the short term, rescued children will be placed in recognized children’s homes, while the county develops a long-term solution.
“The task force will propose the establishment of a children’s rescue centre. For now, we will work closely with accredited children’s homes to ensure those rescued are taken to safe spaces,” Manyala explained.
Deputy County Commissioner Mary Mburu said the national government will support the initiative to ensure children’s rights are protected.
“As the office responsible for security, we will work with the county government and other stakeholders to ensure these children are placed in environments where they can enjoy their rights like all other children,” she said.
