NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has released Sh880 million to support vulnerable households across the country under the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, continuing its commitment to strengthen Kenya’s social safety net and protect children from poverty and neglect.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services through the State Department for Children Services, the funds will benefit 440,020 households enrolled in the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) initiative.
Each household will receive Sh2,000 for the September 2025 payment cycle, with disbursements scheduled to begin Thursday, September 24, through the contracted payment service provider.
“Payment will commence tomorrow, 24th September 2025, through the contracted Payment Service Provider,” the statement confirmed.
The cash transfer, part of the government’s broader Inua Jamii programme, is designed to promote the welfare of children, support family-based care, and reduce the vulnerability of poor households.
“The CT-OVC Programme aims to encourage fostering and retention of orphans and vulnerable children within their families and communities while promoting their human capital development,” the ministry said.
The funds are expected to bolster education, nutrition, and child protection outcomes, while also improving household food security. The ministry underscored that social protection remains central to Kenya’s long-term poverty reduction and inclusion agenda.
“The programme supports increased enrolment and transition in education, improved health and nutrition outcomes, enhanced household food security, and better child protection,” the statement read.
The Inua Jamii Programme is Kenya’s national safety net initiative that provides bi-monthly stipends to vulnerable citizens, including orphans and vulnerable children, older persons aged 70 and above, and persons with severe disabilities.
It has increasingly adopted a digital payment system, transitioning to a mobile-based platform via M-Pesa through the e-Citizen portal, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
In August 2025, the government disbursed Sh881 million under the same initiative, benefiting 440,537 households.
According to CPA Carren Agengo, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children Services, the CT-OVC programme remains one of the government’s most effective social protection mechanisms.
“This initiative continues to safeguard the welfare of children and their caregivers, ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing basic needs, education, and health,” she said.
The government reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining timely disbursements and expanding coverage to cushion more families from economic shocks and vulnerability.
