8,000 Children Benefitting From Sh80 Million Cash Transfer Programme.
kSh80 million cash transfer program that is being tested in three counties benefits more than 8,000 children under the age of three.
The most populous sub-counties of Kisumu, Embu, and Kajiado counties are testing the one-year program known as Universal Child Benefit (UCB).
The 8,265 children selected from all households in the three counties have received Sh800 per child per month since the program’s inception in December 2021, according to Peter Ombasa, assistant director for children services at the state department of Social protection, senior citizens affairs, and special programs.
Ombasa added that the pilot program, which was being run by UNICEF in conjunction with Save the Children, the World Food Programme, and the Kenyan government, is scheduled to end in December 2022.
The Director emphasized the need for improving child outcomes such as good nutrition, health, and education which he said the UCB program was guaranteeing while noting that every child had a constitutional right to social protection.
He argued that investing in children as the nation’s future generation would yield high returns and advance the development of its human capital.
Speaking at a media engagement workshop, Ombasa explained that the program was created to help children in at-risk households become more resilient to shock and to provide a platform for the distribution of emergency cash when necessary.
ALSO READ:
- TSC Recruitment Dissatisfaction; How To File Complaints
- Class 8 Pupil Confesses To Killing Children, Their Pregnant Mother
- Mukumu Girls School Students Die, Probe Begins
- Junior Secondary School Rules & Guidelines Ready
- Traditional Beliefs, Culture Hindering Adult Education
- TSC Distances Itself From BOM Teacher Who Whipped and Injured Student
By reducing current social inequalities and boosting social cohesion among communities, the program, if properly implemented across the nation, would contribute to inclusive economic growth, according to the speaker.
After its expiration in December, the UNICEF-funded pilot program is anticipated to be transferred to the government for continuation and expansion.
