The concept of street kids in Africa is relatively new. The onslaught of AIDS has been a major factor in creating broken families and deprivation – a recipe that drives vulnerable individuals onto the street. The street offers hope in the form of street gangs – but a place in one of these has to be earned. Children often undergo fierce initiation trials such as sodomy or other forms of abuse. The gangs are run by pimps who take their pound of flesh – if the kids don’t ‘earn’ a minimum amount in cash or kind each day, they are ejected from the gang. At least there is some sense of belonging on the inside – and the pain is eased by the highs of cheap drugs and glue.

There is no easy escape route from a vicious circle that locks children early on in a dependent and abusive relationship.

site developed through
the kind assistance of kenyaweb.com