he project will extend cash-plus programs—integrated support beyond cash transfers—for specific age groups, building on the government’s National Safety Net Program (NSNP).Photo by pexels-pixabay
The World Bank Board of Directors has approved the Second Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP2), an initiative designed to enhance Kenya’s social protection systems and expand safety net support to 12 million citizens.
The project targets vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, adolescents, and children, with a focus on building human capital and promoting economic inclusion.
KSEIP2 follows the recently concluded Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project and draws on the lessons learned from earlier efforts to improve access to social and economic inclusion services.
The project is backed by a $127.5 million investment from the International Development Association (IDA).
“Inclusive growth and poverty reduction are realized when there are more and better jobs as well as more accessible jobs for the poorest and most vulnerable populations,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank Division Director for Kenya.
“The project’s innovative elements will prepare today’s children and adolescents for healthy and productive adulthoods, help poorer families with sustainable livelihood enhancement, and ensure that hard-won gains are not lost to food insecurity during the times of drought or other crises.”
The project will extend cash-plus programs—integrated support beyond cash transfers—for specific age groups, building on the government’s National Safety Net Program (NSNP).
It aims to promote inclusive employment through climate-resilient income-generating activities and link beneficiaries to social insurance schemes for long-term resilience.
Acknowledging the frequent droughts in Kenya’s North and Northeastern counties, KSEIP2 includes provisions for modernizing social protection systems and delivering emergency social assistance to cushion households during crises.
“The Government of Kenya is committed to supporting opportunities for every Kenyan family to sustainably exit poverty and vulnerability,” said Shubha Chakravarty, Senior Economist and Task Team Leader at the World Bank.
“The KSEIP2 Project supports the government’s ambition on disrupting the vicious cycle of poverty by focusing on investments in children and adolescents, as well as households with productive capacity. This objective will be achieved by working in synergy with other relevant government programs.”
KSEIP2 aligns with the FY23-FY28 World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF), particularly the goals of improving household resilience, national shock preparedness, and human capital development.
It also supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the constitutional obligation to ensure social security for those unable to support themselves.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
