NAIROBI, Kenya — Human rights groups have raised alarm over the unexplained deaths of at least 15 street-connected children and youth in Kenya over the past month.
The Undugu Society of Kenya (USK) has expressed concern over what they describe as systemic failures by government agencies to safeguard the rights of marginalized communities.
While the government has pledged to cover hospital, mortuary, and burial costs for the deceased, USK called these measures “inadequate, cosmetic solutions” that fail to tackle the root causes of streetism and homelessness.
“The recent burial of nine street-connected individuals must not become the grave that buries ongoing human rights violations these communities endure,” said USK in a statement.
The organization highlighted persistent hunger, harassment by law enforcement, and exclusion from essential services faced daily by street-connected youth.
USK outlined urgent actions for the government, including comprehensive investigations, provision of legal identification, guarantees of personal security, and holding agencies accountable for reducing streetism.
The organization also called for reforms to criminal justice approaches and a rights-based review of urban housing policies.
“These young lives matter, and justice cannot be deferred or substituted with charity,” the lobby group said in a statement.
