Addressing the challenges of street children rehabilitation: Insights from Starehe Sub-County, Nairobi

Abstract

In Nairobi City County, which is the capital city of the Republic of Kenya, there is a major crisis involving street children. Indeed, the number of homeless underage persons in the city is about 70,000, and about 10,000 of them live in Starehe Sub-County. The research is focused on the rehabilitation efforts being made in Starehe. Many of the street children in Starehe have never been taken through various rehabilitation programs, but they ended-up relapsing. In that case, it is apparent that the root-causes of the problem were never addressed in an effective manner. Specifically, these children seem to have no social-emotional skills which would enable them to avoid the life in the streets. They lack self-awareness, social-awareness, self-management skills, have no relationship skills, and are unable to make responsible decisions. The primary study was a narrative inquiry that involved eight respondents. The approach was taken because it is effective when the research is qualitative. The data elicited from the respondents were complimented with the that elicited from primary sources and from rehabilitation centers. The study made some, findings. The study therefore concludes that the high rate of relapse is caused by the failure of a majority of the rehabilitation centers in Starehe Sub-County to utilize research-based approaches while assisting their clients. The application of relevant theories and research-based approaches would help these facilities achieve a much higher rate of success. Such a strategy would help come-up with tailored interventions which address the specific needs of the street children, and also offer guidance and a sense of direction while helping the individuals. Therefore, it is important for the rehabilitation centers in Starehe Sub-County to reevaluate their operational methodologies.