The number of street-connected persons in Kenya has declined by more than 60 percent over the past eight years, according to findings from the 2025 National Census for Street Families.
The report shows that the population dropped from over 46,000 individuals in 2018 to 18,049 in 2025, signaling significant progress in government-led rehabilitation, reintegration, and social protection programmes targeting vulnerable populations.
The findings were unveiled during the launch of the census report in Naivasha, where government officials hailed the decline as evidence that sustained interventions are beginning to bear fruit.
Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa Lead in Street Population
Despite the decline, major urban centres continue to host the highest number of street-connected persons.
According to the report, Nairobi recorded the largest population at 4,690 individuals, followed by Nakuru with 1,546, Mombasa with 1,428, and Kiambu with 1,370.
Counties such as Nyandarua, Lamu, and Tana River registered the lowest numbers.
The census further revealed a significant gender disparity, with men and boys accounting for 78.6 percent of the street population, while women and girls make up 21.4 percent.
Government Allocates More Funds for Rehabilitation
Speaking during the launch, Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot said the government remains committed to eliminating street families through rehabilitation, vocational training, and reintegration initiatives.
She noted that Kenya has made considerable progress since the rehabilitation programme was first introduced in 2003.
“Rising poverty, economic hardships, drug and substance abuse, and social and family instability continue to be major factors pushing people onto the streets,” said Wendot.
To strengthen intervention efforts, the government has allocated KSh40 million towards rehabilitation programmes, capacity building, and skills development initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable individuals rebuild their lives.
The CS added that many street-connected persons have expressed a willingness to leave the streets if provided with sustainable economic opportunities and social support systems.
New Digital Platform to Improve Response
In a move aimed at enhancing data-driven interventions, the government also unveiled the Street Families Information Management System.
The digital platform is expected to provide real-time data to support planning, monitoring, and implementation of programmes targeting street-connected populations across the country.
Officials say the system will improve coordination among agencies and help track progress in rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Poverty and Family Breakdown Remain Key Drivers
The report identifies poverty, family instability, substance abuse, and domestic challenges as the leading causes driving children and adults to the streets.
Officials noted that economic hardship, lack of parental support, abuse, and neglect continue to expose vulnerable individuals to street life.
Mary Wambui said additional resources are needed to expand rehabilitation centres and provide practical life skills training to beneficiaries.
“Increased poverty levels, corporal punishment, denial of food, and drunkard parents are among the major reasons children end up on the streets,” she said.
Substance Abuse and Violence Continue to Threaten Progress
While the overall numbers have declined, the census highlights ongoing challenges facing street-connected populations.
According to the findings, 71 percent of respondents reported using at least one substance, with glue, cannabis, and alcohol emerging as the most commonly abused substances.
The report also documented widespread cases of physical, emotional, and sexual violence, particularly affecting women and girls living on the streets.
Many respondents reported experiencing abuse from fellow street dwellers and, in some instances, confrontations with law enforcement officers.
Access to healthcare services remains limited for many street-connected persons, further compounding their vulnerability.
KNBS Attributes Decline to Coordinated Interventions
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Director General Macdonald Obudho attributed the significant reduction in street populations to targeted government interventions, strengthened family support systems, and improved coordination among stakeholders.
He also revealed that Kenya’s next national population census, scheduled for the 2028/29 financial year, will for the first time include refugees and asylum seekers to provide a more comprehensive demographic profile of the country.
Challenges Remain Despite Significant Gains
While officials welcomed the sharp decline in street-connected populations, they cautioned that thousands of Kenyans remain vulnerable to homelessness and social exclusion.
The report calls for sustained investment in rehabilitation programmes, social protection measures, education, and family support systems to address the root causes of street life and ensure lasting solutions.
As Kenya continues efforts to reduce the number of people living on the streets, the findings highlight both the progress achieved and the work that remains to fully reintegrate vulnerable individuals into society.
