Philip Kilbride, Collete Suda and Enos Njeru

September 2001

This publication examines the experiences of street children in Nairobi, Kenya. Drawing from participant observations, individual and focus group interviews, the authors allow readers to confront the harsh realities, suffering, and survival skills of nearly 400 of the over 40,000 homeless children in Nairobi. These children are part of the over 110,000 children described by UNICEF as "in need of special protection".

Reflecting the anthropological and sociological backgrounds of the scholars, the book's initial chapters introduce the methodology and background for the study, including a description of the study's setting, Nairobi, and relevant information on the communities studied.

The text also provides information on social and cultural issues affecting families which have contributed to the rapid rise in the number of children living and working on the street. Only one chapter is devoted to the narratives of the children, but most chapters include accounts and perspectives on the children's lives.

This publication addresses a critical, global issue that is, in many ways, a by-product of rapid globalisation, structural adjustment programs, and increasing poverty and urbanisation. Street children and young mothers have become part of the landscape in most Kenyan cities and towns and many Kenyans are fearful of street children and perceive them as criminals.

The publication portrays street children as children who possess hopes, dreams for their future, and feelings of responsibility for each other. Although it does not turn away from the harsh realities of the street, street children are both proactive and resilient.

This book is of interest to researchers in several disciplines, including African studies, cultural anthropology, family sociology, education, and childhood studies, as well as to a wide array of readers, including human rights advocates, and policy-makers.

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