NAIROBI, Kenya- The government has released Sh6,000 to selected vulnerable households across the country under the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) programme, the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has announced.
In a statement issued on August 4, the ministry, through the State Department for Children Services, confirmed that the funds have been successfully disbursed to eligible beneficiaries.
Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo said the payments cover the April, May and June 2026 cycle of the government’s social protection programme.
“The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services through the State Department for Children Services has successfully disbursed the April, May and June 2026 Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) payments,” Cheptumo said.
Beneficiaries Receive Sh6,000
According to the ministry, each beneficiary household is receiving Sh6,000, representing three monthly instalments of Sh2,000 each.
The payments began on July 31, 2026, and beneficiaries can access the funds through the government’s contracted payment service providers.
“Each beneficiary household is receiving Sh6,000, representing three monthly payments of Sh2,000 each. The payments, which commenced on 31st July 2026, are available for withdrawal through the contracted Payment Service Providers,” the Cabinet Secretary said.
Programme Supports Vulnerable Families
The ministry said the CT-OVC programme is designed to strengthen Kenya’s social protection system by supporting households caring for orphaned and vulnerable children.
Officials said the cash transfers help families meet essential needs, including education, healthcare and nutrition, while improving children’s overall welfare.
The ministry also announced that preparations for the July 2026 payment cycle are already at an advanced stage.
“Preparations for the July 2026 payment cycle are at an advanced stage,” the ministry said.
Kenya’s Longest-Running Cash Transfer Programme
Launched in 2004, the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children programme is Kenya’s oldest government cash assistance initiative targeting vulnerable children.
The programme was established to provide financial support to low-income households caring for orphaned and vulnerable children, enabling families to meet basic needs while promoting children’s well-being.
Currently, the initiative supports approximately 440,000 households across the country, with eligible families receiving Sh2,000 per month to help cover expenses such as school fees, healthcare and proper nutrition.
Promoting Family-Based Care
Beyond financial assistance, the programme seeks to strengthen family-based care by enabling orphaned and vulnerable children to remain with their families and within their communities instead of being placed in institutional care.
By easing the financial burden on caregivers, the government says the initiative contributes to more stable home environments, improves children’s access to education and healthcare, and enhances their overall development.
More than two decades after its launch, the CT-OVC programme remains a key pillar of Kenya’s social protection framework, providing regular financial support to vulnerable households while helping improve child welfare outcomes nationwide.
