Millions to benefit as social protection budget increased to Sh41.4 billion
Cash transfers to orphans and vulnerable children will rise to Sh8.9 billion, an increase of Sh1 billion. Persons living with disabilities will receive Sh1.5 billion, up from Sh1.19 billion.
In a push to fight poverty and support the most vulnerable, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has allocated Sh41.4 billion for social protection in the 2025/26 budget—an increase of Sh8.4 billion from the current financial year.
Mbadi, speaking at the National Assembly, said the increased funding is aimed at building a more equal and resilient society by protecting the vulnerable, reducing inequality and boosting national unity.
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“These programmes are crucial for building more equitable and resilient societies,” he said while presenting the budget in Parliament.
Cash transfers to orphans and vulnerable children will rise to Sh8.9 billion, an increase of Sh1 billion.
Persons living with disabilities will receive Sh1.5 billion, up from Sh1.19 billion.
The proposed budget also includes Sh3.9 billion for the Kenya Hunger Safety Net Programme, which supports drought-stricken households in arid areas.
Other allocations include Sh450 million for the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya, Sh600 million for the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, Sh100 million for the presidential bursary for orphans, and Sh180 million for the Street Families Rehabilitation Trust Fund.
Two programmes—National Urbanism Support and National Autism Support—have each been allocated Sh90 million.
The largest portion, Sh25.1 billion, has been set aside for cash transfers to older persons under the Inua Jamii Programme, up from Sh18 billion in the current budget.
The Inua Jamii programme is a government cash transfer initiative that supports the most vulnerable members of the community.
The programme includes Cash Transfers for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Older Persons Cash Transfer, Persons with Severe Disabilities Cash Transfer and the Hunger Safety Net Programme.
It provides them with a stipend to cushion them from poverty, hunger and improve their lives.
In 2023, President William Ruto directed the ministry to upscale the programme to 2.5 million beneficiaries, which will be done in phases.
Ruto directed that the money for the programme be released on the 15th of every month and committed that his administration would be diligent in ensuring the timely disbursement of funds.
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