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A troubling rise in deaths among street children and youth has renewed public concern about the state of urban development, housing policies and government accountability in major cities.
Civil society groups, human rights organisations and faith leaders are now questioning whether current policies adequately protect the most vulnerable populations living on the streets.
Over the past months, reports from humanitarian organisations indicate an increase in fatalities linked to exposure, untreated illnesses, substance abuse, road accidents and violent encounters.
While precise figures remain difficult to verify due to poor documentation and the transient nature of street populations, advocates say the trend points to a deeper systemic failure rather than isolated incidents.
Many of the affected children and young people are said to have been pushed onto the streets by poverty, family breakdown, domestic violence and rural-urban migration.
Once in the city, they face harsh living conditions, including lack of shelter, food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
Outreach workers note that overcrowded informal settlements and the demolition of low cost housing have further reduced safe spaces for vulnerable youth.
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Urban planners and policy analysts argue that rapid city development has prioritised commercial and high end residential projects at the expense of affordable housing and social services.
As a result, thousands of low income families and homeless individuals are left with few alternatives.
Critics say that while cities continue to expand, planning has not sufficiently accounted for social protection mechanisms targeting at risk children and youth.
The State has also come under pressure to explain its response.
Human rights groups are calling for better coordination between national and county governments, improved data collection on street connected children and stronger child protection systems.
They argue that sporadic rescue operations and temporary shelters are not enough to address long-term risks faced by street youth.
Government officials have previously acknowledged the challenge of homelessness and street families, citing budget constraints and the complexity of rehabilitation efforts.
However, campaigners insist that the rising death toll demands urgent action, including investment in affordable housing, accessible healthcare and community based reintegration programmes.
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