The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is seeking an increased budget allocation of Sh300 million to rehabilitate street children across the country.
Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Motari said that there is the need for additional funding to support the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund, which has struggled to effectively reach children living on the streets.
"We have not been able to fully capture our children on the streets, and that is why we are requesting more money," said PS Joseph Motari.
Last year, the ministry was allocated Sh200 million for the program, but the department argues that an additional Sh100 million is required to meet the growing demand.
In submissions to the National Assembly Social Protection Committee, the department says in the 2025/2026 financial year there has been a significant funding shortfall, with the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) allocating only Sh150 million, leaving a variance of Sh149 million.
“The State Department would like to request that this committee's intervention in consideration of the following issues, which, if not addressed, will negatively affect the implementation of programs and projects within the subsector budget,” said the PS.
The department told the Alice Nganga-led committee that, in addition to rehabilitation efforts, the ministry is also seeking Sh200 million to monitor and evaluate its programs effectively and ensure the security of its rehabilitation centers.
Officials highlighted concerns about encroachment on government-owned land meant for these programs, stressing the need for adequate protection measures.
A key project requiring funding is the construction of a perimeter wall for the Street Families Model Institution in Mavoko, which is part of the broader strategy to provide shelter, education, and skills training for rescued street children.
According to estimates from the Consortium of Street Children (CSC), an international charity, there are between 250,000 and 300,000 street children in Kenya, with approximately 60,000 living in Nairobi alone.
The United Nations places the global figure at 150 million, underscoring the urgency of intervention.
