By Afrireport 
The government has launched investigations into the deaths of nine people believed to be members of families living on the streets of Nairobi, in a development that has reignited concern over the safety and welfare of vulnerable urban populations.
Authorities said the deaths were reported in different parts of the city over a short period, prompting coordinated action by security agencies, health officials and social services.
Preliminary information indicates that the victims include women and children who were living and working on the streets, though officials cautioned that full identification is still ongoing.
Police have begun forensic examinations and post mortem procedures to establish the exact causes of death.
Initial assessments suggest that factors such as exposure, illness and possible substance abuse may have played a role, but investigators have not ruled out foul play.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the cases to ensure a comprehensive inquiry.
Interior ministry officials said the investigations will also examine whether there were failures in early intervention, emergency response or coordination among government agencies tasked with assisting homeless families.
Every life matters, regardless of social status. We want clear answers on what happened and whether these deaths could have been prevented,” an official involved in the probe said.
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The deaths have drawn sharp reactions from human rights groups and civil society organisations, which argue that the tragedy reflects deeper systemic neglect.
Advocates say families living on the streets face daily risks ranging from violence and disease to hunger and harsh weather, with limited access to healthcare and social protection.
Nairobi County authorities noted that several programmes are in place to rehabilitate street families, including rescue centres, vocational training and reintegration initiatives.
However, critics contend that these efforts are underfunded, poorly coordinated and often fail to address the root causes of homelessness such as poverty, unemployment and family breakdown.
The Ministry of Health has deployed outreach teams to hotspots where street families are concentrated to conduct health screenings and offer immediate medical support.
Social protection officers are also working to trace relatives of the deceased and provide counselling and assistance where possible.
As investigations continue, the incident has intensified calls for a more humane and sustained approach to urban poverty.
The government is determined to prevent similar deaths in the future and ensure that the most vulnerable are not left invisible in the city’s development agenda.
