Beatrice Nyambura, a 24‑year‑old mother of three who has lived on the streets for over a decade, says the lack of a birth certificate and national ID hampers her ability to secure formal work, stable housing and relief during emergencies.

Without identification, Nyambura and other street families risk being excluded from registration processes that trigger evacuation assistance and relief distribution.

Youth advisory councillor Christopher Mbucho Gachana notes that police operations often treat street‑dwelling as a crime, leading to arrests and forced evictions rather than protective measures, especially during heavy rains.

Gachana recalls that during the last heavy rains many people sleeping under bridges or vehicles were swept away, highlighting the acute vulnerability of those with no safe shelter.

Government data shows the number of street‑connected families in Kenya has fallen to about 18,000 from an estimated 46,000 in 2018, but Undugu Society’s executive director Eric Mukoya questions the accuracy of that figure, citing relocation to estates that makes counting difficult.

Mukoya argues that unreliable data endangers emergency response, as authorities may not know who is missing or where to direct aid during floods.

Undugu Society calls for disaster plans that include safe shelters, clear relocation strategies and streamlined processes for birth registration and national ID issuance for street‑connected people.

During a stakeholder dialogue, Joseph Nandwa of Undugu highlighted the need for designated safe spaces before the rains intensify and urged both national and county governments to coordinate on shelter provision.

Muthurwa Chief Moses Mwangi said authorities are encouraging street families sleeping under bridges to move to social halls and other designated facilities that are being readied for the upcoming rains.