The Undugu Society of Kenya and the PLO Lumumba Foundation have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance support for street-connected children, youth, and homeless populations in Kenya.
The agreement was signed on July 29, 2026, during the National Conference on the State of Homelessness and Street-Connectedness held in Nairobi. The event gathered stakeholders from national and county governments, civil society, development partners, researchers, justice sector actors, and the private sector.
From Dialogue to Action
The conference theme, "From Dialogue to Action: Securing Space for Street-Connected and Homeless Communities in Kenya's Fast-Moving Urban Development Discourse," highlighted the need to move beyond discussions toward tangible interventions and sustainable partnerships.
Eric Mukoya, Executive Director of Undugu Society, emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that no single entity can tackle homelessness alone. He called on county governments to engage more closely with organizations serving vulnerable groups to achieve meaningful progress.
Focus on Social Justice and Inclusion
Constitutional lawyer and Pan-Africanist PLO Lumumba, who also delivered the keynote address, urged institutions to adopt coordinated action and clear policy positions to address homelessness, a persistent challenge despite numerous efforts over the years. He stressed the collective responsibility of government, civil society, faith-based organizations, the private sector, and communities in finding lasting solutions.
Lumumba further highlighted the need to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu, reminding participants that development should prioritize improving the lives of people.
Integrating Homelessness into Development Agendas
Participants also acknowledged the rising issue of homelessness in Kenya’s rapidly growing urban centers. Mukoya advocated for homelessness to be recognized as a critical development issue, pointing to gaps in policy implementation and resource allocation.
Kizito Wangalwa, Director of Programmes and Partnerships at the Council of Governors, noted that homelessness has not been sufficiently mainstreamed within county government agendas despite devolution. He encouraged counties to adopt policies similar to those developed for early childhood development to better address homelessness.
Government and Civil Society Collaboration
Nairobi County’s Director of Social Services, Robert Muema, acknowledged existing county initiatives including shelters providing accommodation, healthcare, education, and psychosocial support to vulnerable groups. He praised Undugu Society’s complementary role in rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts.
Recognizing Leadership in Advocacy
The conference also honored Prof. PLO Lumumba for his steadfast advocacy for human dignity and social justice, highlighting his influence in shaping Kenya’s approach to homelessness with compassion and justice.
The MoU signing symbolizes a commitment by both organizations to ensure no child or young person living on the streets is left behind. Stakeholders expressed optimism that this partnership will foster stronger collaboration in designing and implementing inclusive programs that protect vulnerable populations and promote sustainable solutions to homelessness nationwide.
