Restore dignity of 500 street mothers in Kenya

Project Update: Restore Dignity of 500 Street Mothers in Kenya – #68479

We are pleased to share an update on the progress of our project, which seeks to restore dignity and create sustainable livelihoods for 500 street mothers in Kenya.

Progress So Far

1. Identification & Outreach

   • We have successfully identified and profiled 312 mothers across Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos counties.

   • Initial trust-building sessions have been conducted through street visits and focus group discussions.

2. Immediate Support Services

   • 210 mothers have accessed basic needs support (food, clothing, sanitary supplies).

   • 68 mothers have received emergency medical attention through our referral partners.

3. Skills Training & Capacity Building

   • First cohort of 120 mothers enrolled in training programs in tailoring, hair & beauty, and food & beverage service through accredited NITA centres.

   • Training incorporates life skills, financial literacy, and psychosocial support.

4. Economic Empowerment

   • 45 mothers have already completed entrepreneurship workshops.

   • A pilot group of 20 has received seed capital to start small businesses (e.g., food vending, dressmaking, salon services).

5. Psychosocial & Family Reintegration

   • 90 mothers are attending weekly group therapy sessions facilitated by volunteer counselors.

   • Efforts are ongoing to reunite street mothers with extended family where possible, in partnership with local administration.

Early Impact

• Mothers report improved self-esteem and a stronger sense of belonging.

• Reduction in risky street survival activities (e.g., transactional sex) among those engaged in skills training.

• Businesses started by the pilot group are generating daily income ranging from KES 400–700, enabling mothers to provide food and basic needs for their children.

Challenges

• Limited resources compared to the overwhelming need – many more mothers are waiting to join the training program.

• Healthcare demands are higher than anticipated, especially for mothers with chronic illnesses.

• Childcare support during training sessions remains a pressing gap.

Next Steps

• Enroll the next batch of 150 mothers into NITA-accredited vocational training by December 2025.

• Expand partnerships with healthcare providers to address medical needs.

• Establish a childcare facility within training centres to allow more mothers to participate fully.

• Scale up the seed capital and mentorship program to support at least 100 mothers by mid-2026.

Conclusion

This project is already changing lives and restoring dignity. While challenges remain, the strong response from the mothers and the positive early outcomes affirm that with continued donor support, we can reach—and sustainably transform—the lives of all 500 targeted mothers.

• 01_Wwn_Progressing_Report_2025_JUNE_2.pdf (PDF)