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Geoffrey Mosiria threatens crackdown on parents using children for begging
28th April, 2026 06:51 AM
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has issued a warning to parents using their children to beg on the streets, saying the county will take firm action against those exploiting minors for money.
In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Mosiria said some parents have turned street begging into what he described as an “easy money” scheme, using children to appeal to the sympathy of motorists and pedestrians while they stand at a distance collecting the proceeds.
He warned that the county government would no longer turn a blind eye to the practice, saying those found using children in the streets to solicit money risk arrest, while affected children will be taken to rescue centres for protection and care.
“I want to issue a strong warning to all parents who are using their children to beg for money on the streets while positioning themselves nearby to collect the money from them,” Mosiria said.
“We will enforce strict action by arresting those responsible and taking the children to rescue centres where they can receive proper care and protection.”
Mosiria said it was troubling that some adults were avoiding work and instead using vulnerable children to earn from unsuspecting members of the public, noting that what may appear like innocent street begging is, in many cases, exploitation hiding in plain sight.
“It is unacceptable for some parents to avoid working and instead exploit their vulnerable children to obtain easy money from innocent Kenyans,” he stated.
His remarks come amid growing concern over the rising number of children seen begging at major intersections and busy roads across Nairobi, often approaching vehicles the moment traffic lights turn red. For many city residents, it has become a familiar and heartbreaking scene. For Mosiria, enough is enough.
The county official also challenged Kenyans to rethink how they respond when approached by street children, arguing that handing over cash, though often well-intentioned, can sometimes fuel the very cycle people hope to end.
“I urge all Kenyans to stop giving money directly to street children. Instead, buy them food, help connect them to rescue centres, or report such cases to the relevant authorities,” he said.
Rather than coins through car windows, Mosiria suggested compassion should take a more practical form, such as a meal, a report, or helping a child find safety. In short, he appeared to say kindness should work smarter, not just softer.
He further called for a collective effort in protecting vulnerable children, saying the problem cannot be left to the government alone.
“Together, we can protect these children and give them a chance at a better future,” Mosiria stated.
Mosiria has in recent months been vocal on issues affecting street families and child welfare, often using his platforms to push for rescue interventions and public accountability.
