As the El Niño rains approach, Nairobi's street-connected families are bracing for impact, fearing that floodwaters could sweep away those sleeping under bridges, verandas, and vehicles. Many of these individuals lack safe places to seek refuge, exacerbating their already precarious situation. The impending rains have added another layer of danger to their daily challenges, which include illness, violence, and lack of documentation.
Beatrice Nyambura, a 24-year-old mother of three who has lived on the streets for over a decade, is among those struggling to cope. Her attempts to obtain a birth certificate and national ID have failed three times, leaving her unable to access formal employment, health services, or disaster relief that often requires registration. This documentation gap is a significant barrier to receiving aid, leaving many street families vulnerable.
Youth advisory councillor Christopher Mbucho Gachana has warned that police operations during heavy rains often treat street-living as a crime, focusing on removal rather than protection. During the last rainy season, many people were swept away while sleeping under bridges or vehicles, highlighting the need for a more protective approach. The government must balance enforcement with humanitarian concerns.
According to government data, the number of street-connected families in Nairobi has declined to about 18,000 from 46,000 in 2018. However, Eric Mukoya, executive director of the Undugu Society of Kenya, questions the accuracy of these numbers, noting that many families have moved to estates to avoid police, making them harder to count. This data gap hinders effective emergency planning.
Mukoya argues that without reliable data, emergency plans cannot identify who is at risk, leading to situations where people are swept away or evicted without the authorities knowing who is missing. The Undugu Society is calling for disaster-preparedness measures that include safe shelters, clear relocation plans, and streamlined birth-registration and ID processes for street-connected people.
During a recent stakeholder dialogue, Joseph Nandwa of Undugu highlighted the vulnerability of street-connected children who often sleep in exposed locations. He urged national and county governments to designate safe spaces and improve data collection to mitigate the impact of the El Niño rains. Muthurwa Chief Moses Mwangi said authorities are encouraging street families under bridges to move to designated social halls and other facilities prepared to protect vulnerable children.
As the El Niño rains draw near, Nairobi's street families face an uncertain future. With the government's efforts to provide shelter and support, the Undugu Society's calls for improved data collection and streamlined documentation processes are crucial to ensuring that those most at risk receive the aid they need. The situation demands a coordinated response from national and county governments to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
Key points
- Nairobi's street-connected families face heightened flood risk and limited shelter due to the approaching El Niño rains.
- Many street families lack identification documents, making it difficult for them to access aid and formal services.
- The Undugu Society is calling for disaster-preparedness measures, including safe shelters and streamlined birth-registration and ID processes, to mitigate the impact of the El Niño rains.
