Meru:
Located in the Eastern District of Kenya on the equator, Meru faces all the problems of urban areas all over Africa. Unemployment and the slumping economy have caused increased homelessness, especially among small children. The problem of homelessness is compounded by the high incidence of AIDS related deaths. Too many families cannot provide sustinence for their youngest members and the result is the existence of large numbers of children homeless on the streets.

Number of local street kids:
1. About 1000 in Meru town
2. About 500 in rural areas
3. About 300 are HIV/AIDS victims orphans who do not have anyone to care for them
4. Nationwide HIV/AIDS orphans number about 2,000,000 children
5. Meru population is about 800,000
6. 2,400 children are from separated families, many are engaged in child labor