Social protection in Kenya encompasses policies and programs designed to safeguard vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and those living in poverty—from economic hardships and social risks. On December 10, 2024, the country took a monumental step toward addressing poverty and inequality with the launch of the Kenya Social Protection Policy, 2023.
Unveiled at Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel by Joseph M. Motari, Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, the policy aims to strengthen the support system for Kenya’s most vulnerable populations, ensuring no one is left behind.
A Vision for Equity and Resilience
The revised policy adopts a lifecycle approach, a significant evolution from its predecessor, the 2011 Social Protection Policy. This framework ensures interventions are tailored to the needs of individuals at different stages of life—from childhood to old age. Anchored in Article 43 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to social security, the policy reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society.
“This policy reinforces our resolve to protect and empower Kenya’s most vulnerable populations,” Mr. Motari stated during his keynote address. He highlighted the government’s dedication to reducing poverty and building resilience, aligning with national development goals such as Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
From Policy to Action: Concrete Interventions
At the heart of the Social Protection Policy, 2023, is a comprehensive strategy to tackle poverty and social risks. Several key programs were highlighted during the launch:
1. Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme
Supporting 1.7 million older persons, orphans, and persons with severe disabilities, this program will expand to cover 2.5 million beneficiaries.
2. Hunger Safety Net Programme
Offering cash transfers to 133,800 households in arid and semi-arid regions, this program provides both regular support and emergency relief during crises.
3. Education Support Programs
Initiatives like the Presidential Bursary Fund and scholarships for children with disabilities aim to bridge educational inequalities.
4. NICHE Program
Integrating nutrition, cash assistance, and child protection measures, this program strengthens families and enhances child well-being.
5. Agricultural Subsidy Programme
By providing critical subsidies to farmers, this initiative boosts food security and agricultural productivity.
“These programs reflect our holistic approach to addressing poverty and building resilience,” emphasized Mr. Motari.
Innovations to Address Challenges
The Kenya Social Protection Sector Review (2017) identified key challenges, including financial sustainability and governance. The new policy introduces solutions such as:
Increased domestic funding to ensure sustainability.
Strengthened collaboration between national and county governments for efficient service delivery.
Shock-responsive measures to address climate-related and economic disruptions.
Sandra Musoga Head of Advocasy at save the children speaking during the launch held at the Nairobi’s Safari Park Hotel.Photo Courtesy
Stakeholder Voices
The event brought together stakeholders from various organizations, including USAID, UNICEF, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), the World Food Programme (WFP), CHASP Advisory, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Save the Children, the Kenya Red Cross, and others.
“This policy marks a significant evolution from its predecessor,” said Omondi Otieno, Global Director of CHASP Advisory, building on past gains while addressing critical gaps. Notably, it emphasizes sustainability through increased reliance on domestic funding, shock responsiveness to adapt to a volatile environment, and complementarity by integrating with education, health, and other programs.
Effective implementation requires strong partnerships, coordination, and the strategic use of data. “We must invest more in financial and human resources to expand coverage and enhance technical capacity within government teams. CHASP is committed to supporting these efforts and ensuring successful implementation,” Otieno added.
Sandra Musoga, Head of Advocacy at Save the Children, highlighted her organization’s collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to ensure child-centered initiatives.
“For instance, our partnership with UNICEF and WFP to pilot the Universal Child Benefits initiative was a game-changer,” said Musoga Addressing not just cash transfers but also complementary elements like nutrition and parenting support, the collaboration is critical to building a framework that truly addresses the challenges faced by children in Kenya.
“The launch is a significant milestone, a framework that anchors child-sensitive and inclusive social protection. The inclusion of practical implementation metrics is especially commendable, as it ensures the policy moves from theory to actionable steps, helping us track progress and ensuring we are headed in the right direction,” Sandra added.
Baimankay Sankoh, WFP Kenya’s Country Representative, spoke of joint efforts to promote shock-responsive programs. “Our integration of data systems ensures that these programs reach the right people at the right time,” he remarked.
Mercy Githara, Mental and Psychosocial Manager at Kenya Red Cross, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to emergency preparedness within the policy framework. “Our focus remains on community-level implementation, ensuring vulnerable populations are protected when they need it most,” she stated.
A call for Action
With clear implementation metrics and defined stakeholder roles, the Kenya Social Protection Policy, 2023, is poised for action. Principal Secretary Motari called on all partners to unite in fulfilling the policy’s goals. “The journey begins today,” he declared, emphasizing the collective responsibility to uplift vulnerable populations.
The launch of the Kenya Social Protection Policy, 2023, signals a renewed commitment to equity and resilience. With its integrated and inclusive approach, the policy provides a roadmap for empowering individuals and communities to overcome poverty and achieve sustainable development.
As Kenya embarks on this journey, the challenge lies in translating these ambitions into measurable impacts for those most in need. Through collaboration and innovation, the nation is charting a path toward a more equitable and resilient future, demonstrating that progress is possible when the most vulnerable are prioritized.
