A streetman who had made a treehouse his home along Jogoo Road is beginning a new chapter after Nairobi Chief Environmental Officer Geoffrey Mosiria extended a helping hand, offering him support to leave the streets and rebuild his life.
For months, the man had become known in the neighborhood for his unusual shelter — a makeshift dwelling in the branches of a tree. Locals described it as both a symbol of ingenuity and a reflection of the harsh realities of homelessness in Nairobi.
When Mosiria learned of his situation, he promised to help him secure a more dignified way of living. Over the past week, that promise materialized.
Mosiria not only met the man but took deliberate steps to assist him in transitioning out of life on the streets. His intervention included securing access to safer accommodation and reconnecting him with community support structures.
Witnesses say the act of kindness was practical and personal, showing that beyond policy, compassion plays a key role in leadership.
News of the intervention has since spread across social media, where Kenyans have praised Mosiria for going beyond his environmental docket to assist a vulnerable individual.
The story has reignited debate about homelessness in Kenya’s capital. Estimates suggest thousands of people live without permanent shelter, with many improvising structures in public spaces or seeking refuge in abandoned buildings.
Living in trees is rare but not unheard of, especially for those seeking safety from the dangers of street life.
Social workers note that lack of affordable housing, unemployment, and urban poverty have forced many into such desperate measures.
As Chief Environmental Officer, Mosiria is known for his work in sanitation and environmental management within Nairobi.
His intervention in a social issue, however, underscores the interconnectedness of urban life — where the environment, social welfare, and human dignity often overlap.
Observers note that homelessness contributes to environmental challenges in the city, as street families are often forced to live in unsanitary conditions with no access to proper waste disposal.
Acts like Mosiria’s, they say, can bridge gaps between environmental management and social well-being.
Though the man’s long-term journey remains uncertain, the immediate impact of Mosiria’s intervention has offered him a tangible step away from life in the trees. The gesture has also renewed conversations about how leadership and public responsibility can intersect with everyday struggles on Nairobi’s streets.”