Evaluation of the implemented Cash Transfer Program in the Livelihood of the Elderly in Njoro Sub-County, Nakuru, Kenya.

Abstract

Article 43 of the Kenyan Constitution is clear on the rights of every person to access basic livelihoods, including health, housing, sanitation, food, clean and safe water, as well as education, among others. More specifically, Section 3 in the Article obligates the state to offer proper social protection to vulnerable individuals who may not be able to access such basic livelihoods due to poverty. Despite the legal provisions and consequent operationalization, there are still gaps that ail the implementation of the program which include, hidden costs in obtaining the fund, unpredictable dates of payments, inadequate training of staff about the program, delay in receipt of money and inadequate budget for administrative function. The purpose of this study therefore was to evaluate the influence that cash transfer program has had on the livelihood of the elderly in Njoro Sub County, Kenya. This research was guided by the following objectives: to determine the effect of method of beneficiary identification and mode of payment on the livelihood of the elderly in Njoro sub county, Kenya. The study was underpinned by the resilience theory. The target population was 4,093 from which a sample size of 351 respondents was drawn from 4 wards. The sample frame comprised of beneficiary older persons, chiefs, village elders and the Ministry of Labour and Social Services Sub-County officer. Questionnaires were used for primary data collection.  Coding and analysis of quantitative was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22. The study used descriptive analysis and inferential analysis of statistics and the results presented in form of Tables and Figures.  The study shows that the method and mode of the payments positively and significantly related to the livelihood of the elderly. The study recommends the officers involved in social benefits for the elderly at the Ministry of Labour and Social Services to adopt a more comprehensive and fair method when identifying the elderly. There was also a need to adopt a mode of payment which significantly minimizes the hidden costs involved.

Key Words: Cash transfer, Livelihoods, Older persons, Program Implementation