Over the past few months, we began noticing something that made us pause.
Fewer children were turning up at our daily meeting points.
For years, Rafiki Mtaani has been a place of safety. A place for lunch. For showers. For clean clothes. For medical care. For trust. So when numbers began dipping, we knew we had to ask hard questions. Had our routine become predictable? Were there gaps in our program? Or were new actors entering the space and redirecting the children?
The answer, we discovered, was complex.
Understanding the Changing Street Landscape
The environment on the streets is constantly shifting.
Many children were reluctant to leave the CBD during the day because begging there offers immediate income. At the same time, other groups had started appearing, presenting themselves as supporters of street children but offering little beyond photo opportunities and short-term engagement. This has contributed to growing mistrust among the children toward organisations in general.
There are also controlling gangs that manipulate access to certain street bases. In some cases, organisations approached us as “partners,” only to benefit from our presence without contributing meaningfully to the work. We took decisive steps to protect our integrity and our brand.
The conclusion was clear: if we wanted Rafiki Mtaani to remain the reference point for street children, we needed to adapt.
Because when a new child arrives on the streets, there is a narrow window of opportunity. If we reach them early, we can help them return home or enter rehabilitation. If we miss that window, street life quickly takes hold, and the road back becomes far more difficult.
We could not afford to lose our footing.
Taking Mtaani Back to the Streets
Rather than waiting for children to come to us, we made a strategic decision to go to them.
Three times a week, our team now conducts outreach and feeding sessions directly within CBD street bases. This is an extension of the Mtaani program, designed to maintain visibility, build trust, and reconnect with children who are not leaving the city centre.
The impact has been immediate.
Within two weeks of piloting this approach, our team was welcomed into previously inaccessible bases. Even young people deeply entrenched in drug use began approaching us, asking for help. Conversations opened up around substance abuse, sexual health, and the harsh realities of street survival.
Most encouraging of all, we are seeing small children returning to our base camp in growing numbers.
And last week alone, three newly arrived boys were supported and guided home before they became absorbed into street life.
That early intervention is everything.
Rebuilding Trust and Presence
One of our key objectives was to reassert Rafiki Mtaani’s leadership and trusted presence within the street community.
That goal is already being realised.
Street families who had become sceptical after being taken advantage of by other actors are once again recognising us as a consistent, reliable friend. Our presence during crises, not just during photo sessions, is what distinguishes us.
The team reports renewed morale. They are reaching populations that, left unsupported, can become increasingly vulnerable and, over time, involved in dangerous gangs. By intervening earlier, we are reducing long-term harm.
We are not seeking rapid expansion. We are being intentional. Sustainable. Strategic. The aim is to stabilise and strengthen, not overstretch.
The Financial Reality
With growth in outreach comes increased cost.
Food expenses have risen significantly. Our weekly average has moved from approximately Kshs.60,000 to Kshs.80,000. Outreach days in particular, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are adding roughly Kshs.20,000 per week, amounting to an additional Kshs.80,000 per month.
As schools close, we anticipate more children arriving in the CBD, and monthly costs could rise by up to Kshs.100,000 more.
This increase reflects reach. It reflects impact. It reflects more children choosing safety, connection, and support.
And while it places pressure on resources, it also confirms that the strategy is working.
Looking Ahead
We plan to continue this intensified outreach through December to fully re-establish our position and ensure momentum is sustained. After that, we will review and shift toward periodic reinforcement as needed.
The progress so far has been remarkable.
Trust is being rebuilt.
New arrivals are being identified early.
Addicted youth are seeking help.
Younger children are returning to safety.
Rafiki Mtaani is once again firmly positioned as the trusted point of reference for street children.
The streets are dynamic. Our response must be equally dynamic.
And as always, we remain committed not just to meeting children where they are, but walking with them toward where they belong.
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