Nominated senator Esther Okenyuri has raised concerns over establishing shelters and safe spaces for homeless children and vulnerable mothers nationwide.
This follows the government’s plan to phase out private children’s homes and orphanages, transitioning to alternative family care models like guardianship, foster care, and adoption.
Okenyuri sought a Statement from the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare concerning establishing shelters and safe spaces.
In her request, Senator Okenyuri urged the Committee to clarify whether the National Government, in collaboration with county governments, has established well-equipped shelters to offer temporary and transitional housing for affected groups.
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She also wants the Committee to examine whether County Governments, through their social welfare and child protection departments, have identified and provided rescue and holistic support services, including counselling, education, vocational training and healthcare to street children and vulnerable mothers.
The Lawmaker called for evaluating the adequacy of budgetary allocations for shelter construction, staffing, and maintenance, stressing the importance of sustainability and efficiency in service delivery.
The senator called for a robust multi-agency approach to enhance collaboration among government bodies, civil society organisations, and development partners to address the root causes of homelessness and facilitate the social and economic reintegration of at-risk populations.
By Obegi Malack
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