Psychological Factors Contributing to the Increase of Street Children A Case Study of Kisumu City

Abstract

The study explored the psychological factors that contribute to the increase of street children in Kisumu City. The study sought the views of not only street children but also other parties that are concerned and experienced with the life of street children. Information was collected from 20 children living in the streets, 20 children living in the rehabilitation centers, four government officials, administrators of street children rehabilitation program, and six managers of street children rehabilitation centers. Respondents were selected through purposive sampling, with street children recruited in to the sample mainly through stratified random sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured questions for children, managers of rehabilitation centers and administrators of street children rehabilitation program. The study found out that street children went to the streets out of desperation. They experienced many psychological problems at home that lowered their self-esteem. Children with lowered self-esteem are vulnerable to psychological disorders that make them take the decision. to live on the streets. Such experiences include their fathers constantly beating their mothers, constant insults and quarrels, rejection and hostility and disorderly drunken fathers/mothers among others. Any stressful situation like death of significant other or lack of food to such children is likely to drive them in to streets. The study also found out that rehabilitation centers are manned by non- professional counselors and therefore cannot handle children with counseling needs. Such children run back to the streets. The study further found out that children born in the streets are left in the streets and with time give birth to other children giving rise to street families. Stree: children yearn to be accepted and assisted to enable them reconstruct their lives. Many of them are willing to be rehabilitated to live a successful life. 88 Abstracts The study makes a number of recommendations that would help reduce the increase of street children. First the government, non-governmental organizations, parents, and society should join hands and advocate acceptance and non-discrimination of street children; second there is need to provide counseling services, psycho-educate the parents to be good role models, and provide alternative accommodation for children born in the streets after they have been rehabilitated.