Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has sounded the alarm over the growing cases of child labour and street children across Kenya.
She urged the Senate to investigate and take urgent action to protect vulnerable minors.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, Senator Miraj called for a comprehensive probe by the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare into what she described as a “national crisis” of children being forced into exploitative work and life on the streets.
“Children as young as seven years old are working as hawkers and vendors, often forced into the streets and into exploitative trade by parents, guardians, or sheer neglect,” Miraj said.
“This exposes them to exploitation, abuse, and lifelong harm, contrary to Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child protection, parental care, and education.”
The senator asked the committee to seek explanations from the Ministries of Gender, Interior, and Education on steps taken to curb child labour, boost school enrolment, and rehabilitate children already affected.
She further urged for a national mapping of street children, the prosecution of exploiters, and the strengthening of social protection programmes targeting poor families.
“We must not allow poverty and neglect to drive children into the streets,” she emphasized.
“Every child deserves safety, education, and dignity.”
According to the latest reports by child rights organizations, Kenya has seen a sharp rise in the number of minors engaged in informal work, especially in urban areas such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa, and Kisumu.
Many of these children work in hazardous conditions, missing out on school and basic care.
The statement of the senator comes amid renewed calls from civil society groups for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and increased funding for social welfare programmes.
If the Senate adopts Miraj’s request, the Labour and Social Welfare Committee is expected to conduct hearings and recommend immediate policy measures to curb the growing crisis.