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STREETS
60,000 kids are living on the streets.
The highest concentration of street children in Nairobi can be found in Eastleigh,
a predominantly Somali neighborhood on the east side of the city. Because of its proximity to Mathare Valley—the 2nd largest slum in Kenya—Eastleigh is a prime location for impoverished children to take to the streets.
Why are there children living on the streets?
It's a simple but good question. There are many reasons a child might find themselves living on the streets.
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Parental Inability: Some children are sent away by their families who lack the physical or financial capability to care for them.
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Domestic Issues: Others are driven away due to domestic issues, such as abuse from a parent or step-parent.
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Attraction to Street Life: Some are drawn to the perceived freedom and risky behaviors associated with street life.
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Rebellion: A number of children leave home because they do not wish to attend school or adhere to household rules.
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Exploitation: Unfortunately, many are lured into prostitution or crime by the allure of money or social acceptance.
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Orphaned: Some children find themselves on the streets after being orphaned
Life on the Streets
When a child ends up on the streets, they often join a gang, known as a "base."
Life in these bases is dangerous, with rampant drug use being a significant concern. Glue, in particular, is a commonly abused substance among street children. It's cheap, easily accessible, and highly addictive. Children huff glue from bottles, seeking a debilitating high.
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In addition to the dangers of substance abuse, most street children endure physical and sexual abuse from other homeless youth. This harsh reality underscores the urgent need for support and intervention to help these vulnerable children escape such environments.
Outreach
It was in Eastleigh, on August 3, 1995, that Charles and Darlene Coulston invited street children to their first outreach program.
After several years of successful ministry to street children, MADE IN THE STREETS purchased land in Eastleigh that became the Eastleigh Centre, our base of street ministry operations.
Every day, rain or shine, our team of social workers walk the streets of Eastleigh and visit bases. We provide first aid, Bible study, food, games, and counseling to street-connected youth.
​After weeks and months of consistently building trust, we are able to invite street boys and street girls to become involved with programs at the Eastleigh Centre.
If a street kid demonstrates a desire to leave the streets and change their lives, and they are between the ages of 13 & 14, we invite them to join our boarding school in Kamulu, where they will live, learn, and be well cared for until they are 18 years old.
