Nairobi City County has sounded alarm over a disturbing rise in cases of individuals faking disabilities to solicit money from unsuspecting members of the public on the streets.
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria revealed that the trend is largely orchestrated by cartels who exploit both foreign nationals and local individuals, including those who are genuinely disabled.
“While some individuals are genuinely disabled, they too are being mistreated and exploited,” Mosiria stated.
According to Mosiria, most of the individuals pretending to be disabled are brought into the city from neighbouring countries as part of an organised exploitation ring.
He shared a video on social media showing a young boy who was pretending to have a disability while begging on the streets.
The boy, he noted, is part of a larger group being manipulated for financial gain.
“A few individuals use them to make money, and in some cases, they are beaten when they refuse to beg. You will often see them being pushed among people, and when sympathisers give them money, someone else suddenly appears to collect it,” Mosiria said.
He described the street begging operation as a “multimillion-shilling business run by cartels who have no humanity or compassion.”
The county official urged Nairobi residents to come forward with any information about houses where these individuals are sheltered or details about the people behind the racket.
He emphasised that many of the beggars are dropped off at various city locations early in the morning, only to be picked up later in the day, another indicator of organised activity.
“People with disabilities do not deserve the mistreatment and abuse we witness daily on our roads,” he added.
“They deserve dignity, respect, and protection.”
Street begging remains a persistent challenge in Nairobi, especially in high-traffic areas.
While poverty and lack of opportunity drive many to the streets, the presence of organised exploitation networks has worsened the situation, particularly for individuals with disabilities who are especially vulnerable.
The City County Government has pledged to intensify surveillance and work with law enforcement to dismantle the networks behind the exploitation, while also encouraging the public to support legitimate efforts to uplift people living with disabilities
