Factors Contributing To The Increase Of Streetchildren In Nyalenda Slum, Kisumu City.

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing increase of street children in Nyalenda slum, Kisumu Town. The study was guided by for objectives and research questions. The objectives were; to find out how poverty lead to increased street children in Nyalenda slum, to examine the influence of breakdown of family ties on the increased street children in Nyalenda slum, to identify the influence of attraction to street life on the increase of street children in Nyalenda slum and to explore how child abuse influence the increase of street children in Nyalenda slum. The study faced financial challenges and confidentiality of personalinformationespecially from the street children. The study was guided by the structural functionalism theory and conflict theory. Relevant literature reviewed revealed that there are several factors that lead to the increase of street children in Nyalenda slum. The study was mainly qualitative. It employed descriptive research design which was preferred since it allowed the researcher to conduct in-depth interviews and observation schedules to gather factual information systematically and also record the characteristics of interest as they occurred. A total of 50 respondents were selected through random sampling and data was collected through questionnaires which used both open and close ended questions. The findings were then presented in tables and pie charts during analysis for easier interpretation. The study revealed that there were many factors leading to increase of street children in Nyalenda slum though poverty, breakdown of family ties, attraction to the streets and child abuse were the major contributing factors. The researcher concluded that the government needs to address the above factors in order to solve the problem of street children effectively. The researcher also recommended some solutions in addressing these factors which include; ensuring qualitative education system in all the education levels and offering free or cheap feeding programs in schools to hinder children from running away due to starvation caused mainly due to poverty. Breakdown of family ties should be addressed through ensuring equal development to all parts of the country to hinder people from migrating to urban areas in search of jobs. The laws protecting children’s rights should also be reinforced to protect them against any form of child abuse. Rehabilitation services should also be preferred to helping children in the streets so as not to attract other children from running away from home to join the streets.