Influence of county social services programs on the welfare of street children: a case of Turbo sub county, Uasin Gishu county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to determine the influence of county social services programs on the welfare of street children in Turbo sub-county, Uasin Gishu County. The study was guided by the following research objectives: to determine influence of rescuing on welfare of street children; to establish influence of rehabilitation on welfare of street children; to determine influence of repatriation on welfare of street children; and to determine influence of vocational training on welfare of street children in a case study of Turbo sub county, Uasin Gishu County. The study used theory of behavior change to explain the variables of the study. Descriptive survey research design formed the methodology approach for the study. The target population was 271 with a sample size of 161 respondents calculated using Yamane’s formula (1967). The study employed simple random sampling to select the respondents of the study, and snowballing sampling technique is used for selecting street children. The researcher used questionnaire and interview schedule in collecting data from the respondents. The content validity of the data collection instruments was established by scrutinizing with subject experts, college supervisors and assistance from lecturers from the department. If correlation value is (>) 0.8 is positively related or (<) -0.8 for variables inversely related, data (x) was said to have a good concurrent validity. The study did employ a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to establish the reliability of the research instrument value of α>0.7 was obtained which justified the reliability of the instruments. Questionnaires were administered and street children who were subjected to unstructured interview. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Relationship between dependent and independent variables was obtained using cross tabulation through Pearson moment correlation coefficient. Data analysis was aided by use of statistical software called SPSS version 20. Findings have showed that majority of respondents had worked in the organization for over fifteen years and that they have tertiary level of education. The findings showed that there are good policies concerning welfare of street children and that rescuing is the most prioritized welfare services. Findings revealed that rescuing is an important element in welfare of street children and that provision of basic needs and guiding and counseling after rescuing enhances welfare of street children. Majority of the respondents stated that rehabilitation alone does not influence counseling but when supported with psycho-social support and counseling, there will be a great influence on the welfare of street children. The study also revealed that repatriation influences welfare of street children and that re-unification and resettlement are the main influencers of welfare of street children as far as repatriation is concerned. The study findings showed that vocational training influences welfare of street children. In conclusion, the research indicate that rescuing services, counseling street children and rehabilitation activities like psychosocial support and counseling influences welfare of street children. The National and county government should formulate policies support and complement programs run by the county government. The research recommends that county government need to formulate legislations that will punish and compel parents who neglect and allow children to go to streets.