Hundreds of foreigners in Kenya are now at risk of deportation as the government moves to crack down on illegal migrants as part of efforts to address the growing issue of homelessness in the country.
On Wednesday, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua announced plans for a nationwide census of street families, a process that will help identify individuals who are not Kenyan citizens and facilitate their deportation.
Speaking at a recruitment event in Roysambu, Mutua explained that the Ministry, through the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund, is working on a strategy to rescue homeless individuals while ensuring that those from other countries are repatriated.
“We are conducting a census, and we are only waiting for the budget to be approved. This will help us determine not just how many of these individuals are Kenyan or foreign, but also their specific places of origin within the country,” Mutua stated.
He further emphasized that the census would help the government understand the root causes of homelessness, which may include poverty, family breakdown, or exploitation through child labor. Authorities are also keen on addressing concerns about human trafficking.
Foreigners at Risk of Deportation
The planned operation is likely to affect migrants from neighboring countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. These groups form a significant portion of foreign nationals living in Kenya, with many entering the country in search of better economic opportunities or fleeing conflicts in their home countries.
While there is no exact figure on how many undocumented foreigners are living in Kenya, official reports show that in 2023 alone, security agencies arrested 1,455 illegal immigrants, most of them from Ethiopia.
Kenya, being one of the most stable nations in East Africa, has become a major destination and transit point for irregular migrants in the region. Many individuals enter the country hoping for better living conditions or as part of a journey to other destinations. However, the increasing number of undocumented migrants has placed a strain on social services and contributed to a rise in homelessness.
Rising Numbers of Street Families
The 2019 national census reported that Kenya had over 46,000 people living on the streets, including both children and adults. However, more recent estimates suggest that the actual number could be as high as 300,000 across the country, with around 60,000 of them residing in Nairobi alone.
Mutua stressed that some of the individuals living on the streets are foreigners who have come to Kenya due to its economic opportunities compared to their home countries.
“We are reviewing how to rehabilitate and identify street families. Some of them are actually foreigners who see Kenya as an economic hub in the region. Our goal is to ensure that those who are not Kenyan nationals are sent back to their home countries, while Kenyan citizens are relocated to their places of origin or taken back to school,” he added.
Government to Work with Other Ministries
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection is working alongside the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct the census. This collaboration aims to streamline the rehabilitation process and ensure a structured approach to addressing homelessness.
Mutua also revealed that as part of the plan, the government intends to improve the living conditions of street families by helping them obtain identification documents and integrating them into society.
Those who have professional training will be given opportunities to access internships, ensuring they have a chance to rebuild their lives.
This initiative marks a significant step by the government to not only reduce homelessness but also address security concerns linked to undocumented migrants.
Authorities believe that by implementing these measures, Kenya can create a more organized and sustainable approach to managing street families while maintaining national security.
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