CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN KENYA: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS ON BENEFICIARIES IN SIAYA TOWNSHIP

Abstract

Cash transfers are regular cash payments made to poor and vulnerable households to help them meet their basic needs for food, shelter, health care and educational. The focus of this study was to find out if the implementation of the cash assistance program for orphans and vulnerable children in Siaya Township has resulted in improved standards of living of the beneficiary families. The cash payment of KShs. 3,000 was paid every two months to beneficiary poor households that were taking care of orphans and vulnerable children. The money was intended to boost the economic capacity of the households to provide basic social needs to the orphans and vulnerable children under their care. The target population for this study was the beneficiary households participating in the cash transfer program in Siaya Township. Primary data was collected using personal interviews administered through questionnaires while secondary data was obtained through literature review. The study employed both simple random and purposive sampling to select households taking care of orphans and vulnerable children. The total target population was 384 households out of which 60 household heads were interviewed. In addition, three Key Informants were interviewed and two Focus Group discussions held. A public meeting was also held. Data was analyzed using Excel software. Findings from the study reveal that overall, the cash assistance program has a positive effect on the lives of orphans and vulnerable children specifically, and the beneficiary families in general. There is evidence that the children attend primary school, receive medical treatment whenever sick, and households are more food-secure. The program has restored the credibility of the government and enhanced dialogue between the community members and government representatives. More importantly, the program has raised the social status of orphans and vulnerable children who have traditionally been stigmatized.