Successes, challenges and financing opportunities
Social protection is recognized as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of poverty reduction and inclusive development. In Kenya, the Constitution (2010) and the National Social Protection Policy (2011) establish social security as a right for all citizens, with social assistance programmes playing a central role in supporting vulnerable groups.
This briefing explores how official development assistance (ODA) has strengthened the impact of Kenya’s social assistance initiatives—particularly the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, the Hunger Safety Net Programme, and the Home‑Grown School Meals Programme . Drawing on impact evaluation studies and key informant interviews, the report highlights successes, persistent challenges, and opportunities for leveraging ODA alongside domestic resources to expand coverage, improve adequacy, and build resilience within Kenya’s social protection system.