The 2025 National Census for Street Families report shows that the number of street families across the country has dropped by more than 60 percent over the past eight years. The findings also show a steep decline in the wider street-connected population, which fell from over 46,000 in 2018 to 18,049 in 2025, with Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa counties still reporting the highest numbers.
The census counted 18,049 street-connected persons, including 78.6 percent males and 21.4 percent females. Nairobi recorded 4,690 street persons, followed by Nakuru with 1,546, Mombasa with 1,428, and Kiambu with 1,370. Nyandarua, Lamu, and Tana River recorded the lowest figures.
Speaking during the launch of the report at Avian Courts in Naivasha, Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture and Children Services Hanna Wendot said the government remains committed to expanding rehabilitation and reintegration programs to end street families in the country.
She said that since the rehabilitation effort began in 2003, Kenya has made notable progress and remains on track to uphold equal human dignity for all citizens.
“Rising poverty, economic hardships, drug and substance abuse, and social and family instability are the major factors driving most people to the streets,” Wendot said.
She also said the government set aside Sh40 million for rehabilitation programs, capacity building, and skills training for vulnerable people. Wendot added that many in the street-connected population told officials they were willing to leave street life if they received workable alternatives.
During the event, Wendot launched the Street Families Information Management System, a digital platform meant to deliver real-time data and statistics to support evidence-based interventions.
On the continuing wave of school arson and unrest, the CS condemned the destructive behaviour that has led to the closure of several institutions, urging parents and society to work together to address the crisis.
Mary Wambui, the Board Chair of the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund, said the agency is seeking additional funding to expand rehabilitation systems and to equip people in rescue centers with life-enabling skills.
“Increased poverty levels, corporal punishment, denial of food, and drunkard parents are the main causes of children running away to the streets,” Wambui said.
Macdonald Obudho, Director General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), attributed the sharp decline to targeted interventions and stronger family support structures. He added that KNBS will include refugees and asylum seekers in the next national census, planned for the 2028/29 financial year.
The report also warned of widespread abuse, noting that street families, especially girls and women, continue to face sexual, physical, and emotional violence from both other street dwellers and law enforcement officers.
It further found that 71 percent of street families used at least one substance, with glue, bhang, and alcohol among the most commonly abused. The report also pointed to limited access to healthcare.
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