Community Leaders, Activists Demand Stronger Policies and Funding for Street Children Welfare in Langas

By Wasike Elvis 

 Community leaders, former street children, activists, and local residents came together in Langas, Eldoret, during a Christmas outreach event aimed at drawing national attention to the plight of street-connected children and calling for urgent government action to protect and empower them.

The event, organized as a community-led initiative, combined a festive meal with advocacy, reflection, and policy demands. Speakers emphasized that the gathering was not simply a charity exercise, but a statement of solidarity and responsibility toward some of the most vulnerable children in society.

John Kipkemboi Chumba, Kapseret mp aspirant, told attendees that the purpose of the day was to stand with street children and affirm their dignity. While food was shared, Chumba stressed that long-term solutions were the true goal.

“Feeding children is important, but it is not enough,” he said. “These children need healthcare, security, protection, psychological support, education, and love. They need parents, systems, and leaders who will stand by them.”

Chumba underscored that the issue of street children should not be politicized for personal gain. Instead, he described the initiative as “politics of responsibility,” urging leaders to prioritize children’s welfare over political interests. He called on the national government, county government, and constituency leadership to set aside dedicated funding for social protection programs that specifically address the needs of street-connected children in Langas and across Kenya.

He questioned the disparity between large infrastructure spending and the limited resources allocated to vulnerable children. “If the country can fund multi-million-shilling roads, bridges, and buildings, then it can also fund the protection and future of its children,” he said.

The event also recognized individuals and organizations that played a key role in making the outreach successful. Chumba thanked Benson Juma Akumu, Moses “Poze” Ligalia, Chris, and the Nduthi Culture Fraternity, among others. Benson Juma, a former street child from Langas, was highlighted as a powerful example of what is possible when children are given support and opportunity.

Taking the stage, Benson Juma Akumu Activist and former street urchin shared his personal journey through hardship, rehabilitation, and education to leadership. He described the situation of street children as a national crisis that requires coordinated government intervention rather than isolated charitable efforts.

“These children are Kenyans,” Juma said. “They belong to all communities—Kalenjin, Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, and many others. There are no foreigners on the streets. They are our children, and they are marginalized.”

Juma appealed directly to President William Ruto and the National Government, citing the president’s own background of struggle as a source of inspiration. He called for the establishment of a clear legal and policy framework that would guarantee funding for the rescue, rehabilitation, and empowerment of street-connected families.

He also urged the government to recognize street children as a marginalized group deserving of targeted policies and representation. According to Juma, sustainable solutions can only be achieved by involving people with lived experience of street life in policy discussions and program design.

Addressing concerns about existing institutions, Juma spoke about the Eldoret Rescue Center, acknowledging its troubled past. He emphasized that rescue centers should not be places of punishment or abuse, but safe spaces for counseling, education, skill development, and reintegration.

“I am a beneficiary of a rescue center,” he said. “We were not tortured. We were supported. We were given food, counseling, and education, and that is why today we are able to stand here and help others.”

Moses “Poze” Lugalia also addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to the government, community members, artists, youth leaders, and sponsors who supported the event. He said the initiative in Langas is focused on helping children leave the streets, access basic necessities, obtain identification documents, and begin rebuilding their lives.

“This movement did not start today, and it will not end today,” Lugalia said. “We will continue working until children are off the streets and have a future.”

Organizers and speakers further raised alarm over the prevalence of drug and substance abuse among street children. They linked the problem to exploitation, poverty, weak parenting structures, and inadequate enforcement of drug control policies. Calls were made for stronger local leadership, community empowerment programs, and comprehensive strategies to address drug availability in affected areas.

In his Christmas message, Chumba also addressed the wider public, urging motorists traveling during the festive season to observe road safety, avoid substance abuse, and adhere to traffic laws. He encouraged police officers to enforce the law fairly to ensure a safe and peaceful holiday period.

The speakers called on Kenyans to use the Christmas season as a time to promote unity, compassion, service, and respect for the rule of law. Families were encouraged to share love and support, especially with the vulnerable.

The event concluded with appreciation for sponsors, partners, artists, community members, and the media for amplifying the message. Organizers expressed hope that future editions of the outreach would grow in scale and impact.

As the celebrations came to an end, the message from Langas was clear: addressing the crisis of street-connected children requires more than seasonal charity. It demands sustained commitment, inclusive policies, adequate funding, and direct engagement with those who understand life on the streets—so that every child in Kenya can live with dignity, protection, and opportunity.