Kenya: MPs Push for Bigger Cash Transfers, Transparency in Social Protection Fund

Nairobi — Lawmakers are supporting the proposed Social Protection Bill, 2025. They want to increase cash transfers for vulnerable populations. This is in response to inflation and rising living costs.

MPs appreciate the bill's broader scope but highlight corruption issues. They demand reforms to ensure benefits reach the right people. The bill is sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah. It aims to expand the social safety net for those facing extreme poverty and crises like pandemics or droughts.

The proposal includes creating a Social Protection Board. This board would oversee eligibility and disbursements. It would also provide an appeals process for excluded individuals.

MPs from all parties support the bill but call for more action. They specifically want to raise the Sh2,000 cash transfer amount, which has not changed in years. Suna West MP Peter Masara criticized this stagnation, noting it does not reflect economic realities.

"In Kenya today, vulnerable people receive Sh2,000," said Masara. "But this amount hasn't changed despite rising costs." Endebess MP Robert Pukose praised the bill's appeal process for unfairly excluded individuals. He believes it will restore dignity for elderly and vulnerable groups.

Pukose explained that some elderly individuals receive funds while others do not, with no way to appeal their exclusion. "This Bill creates an appeals mechanism," he said, "and establishes a board to manage fund distribution."

Samburu East MP Jackson Lekumontare raised concerns about corruption in fund distribution. He described degrading measures citizens face to verify identities and access funds.

"People are asked for bribes just to get their money," remarked Lekumontare. He suggested better identification methods if fingerprints fail.

North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood addressed logistical challenges beneficiaries face. He noted that rural communities struggle due to centralized cash transfer access.

"There’s no transparency about who receives this money," Dawood stated. "We need a decentralized process so beneficiaries aren't forced into one location."

Nyatike MP Tom Odege pointed out inconsistencies in beneficiary registration. He called for automatic enrollment when individuals meet eligibility criteria.

"We need clear criteria for enrollment," Odege said. "If you're over 70 and vulnerable, you should be automatically listed." This change would promote fairness and equity among beneficiaries.