- The 254 Report
- Posts
- Kenya’s Commitment to Expanding Child-Sensitive Social Protection
Kenya’s Commitment to Expanding Child-Sensitive Social Protection
Gerald Kombo
February 27, 2025
Kenya has taken a significant step toward strengthening social protection for children with the launch of the Universal Child Benefit (UCB) – Fiscal Space Analysis Report. The report provides key insights into financing strategies for expanding UCB, a program designed to support vulnerable children across the country.
The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, Save the Children Kenya and Madagascar Country Office, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the Council of Governors (CoG), and various government agencies.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusive Growth
Speaking at the event, Jane Muyanda Kitili, Director of the National Social Protection Secretariat, represented Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, Joseph Motari, CBS, MBS, who was engaged in another assignment. Kitili reaffirmed the government’s dedication to child-sensitive social protection and called for more inclusive policies.
When we talk about children, they are often forgotten. But our clarion call is to leave no one behind. Every one of us is where we are today because someone made it their business to walk the journey with us. It is now our turn to walk that journey with our children and ensure they are part of all development conversations.
She urged national and county governments to enhance children’s participation in decision-making, particularly in budgeting processes.
We have platforms like the Kenya Children's Assembly and the Children's Conference, but their participation is still not where it should be. We need to do more to include their voices in shaping policies that affect their future.
She also emphasized the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a scientifically proven critical period for child development.
The first 1,000 days are crucial for any human being. Yet, how often do we discuss childhood nutrition and its impact on a child’s overall growth? Expanding UCB to cover 36 months instead of just 1,000 days is a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go.
Council of Governors Calls for Stronger Collaboration
Representing the Council of Governors (CoG), Nomi Wahu praised the government’s commitment to child protection but called for greater collaboration between national and county governments.
This initiative marks a significant step towards securing the well-being of our most vulnerable children, particularly in the counties with the highest poverty rates. However, let us not confine this program to only those eight counties. Let us purpose to ensure that no child is left behind.
Wahu emphasized that Article 189 of the Constitution of Kenya provides a framework for intergovernmental cooperation and urged all levels of government to work together.
For successful implementation, both levels of government must work closely together. This will enhance service delivery and create a more sustainable model for social protection.
She also stressed the importance of documenting lessons from pilot programs in Embu, Kisumu, and Kajiado counties to inform future scaling efforts.
We must document best practices from the pilot program. This will help identify gaps and guide better execution as we expand nationwide.
Principal Secretary Highlights Urgent Need for Child-Sensitive Protection
In his speech, read by Jane Muyanda Kitili, Principal Secretary Joseph Motari provided key statistics underscoring the urgency of expanding child protection programs.
52% of our children are multi-dimensionally poor, 42% are monetarily poor, 36.2% are food poor, and 26% of children under five are stunted. Beyond income, many children face multiple deprivations, including limited access to healthcare and learning opportunities.
He highlighted the success of the UCB pilot program, which provided 8,300 children across Embu, Kisumu, and Kajiado counties with a KES 800 monthly stipend for 12 months alongside health, nutrition, and disability inclusion services.
The pilot results revealed:
✅ Reduced financial strain on families, allowing them to focus on essential needs.
✅ Improved child health indicators due to better nutrition access.
✅ Higher school attendance and early childhood development improvements.
✅ Stronger parenting support and disability inclusion efforts.
Despite these positive outcomes, the coverage gap remains significant, with only 11% of eligible children accessing any form of social protection.
In a country where children make up more than 50% of the population, this coverage gap is alarming. It risks perpetuating intergenerational poverty, inequality, and exclusion if not addressed systematically.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Expanding UCB to 36 Months & Strengthening Child Participation
Following the launch, Jane Muyanda Kitili provided exclusive insights into the challenges of expanding UCB to 36 months and the urgent need to improve child participation in policy-making.
Q: You highlighted the importance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s development and the decision to extend UCB to 36 months. What challenges do you foresee in implementing this expansion, and how can they be addressed?
Jane Muyanda Kitili:
The first 1,000 days is a scientifically proven critical period for child and maternal health. During this time, nutrition, healthcare, and early stimulation play a vital role in the child’s overall development. However, we found that children remained vulnerable beyond 1,000 days, and extending UCB to 36 months allows us to provide more comprehensive support.
She explained that beyond cash transfers, UCB also includes parenting programs that train caregivers in:
Early childhood stimulation techniques
Bonding with their children
Protecting children from abuse
However, Kitili acknowledged funding constraints as the biggest obstacle to the program’s expansion.
The challenge, as outlined in this report, is fiscal space. That’s why this analysis is crucial—to inform budgeting decisions and ensure sustainable financing for children’s programs.
Q: You raised concerns about child participation in policy-making. What gaps still exist, and what can be done to improve their involvement?
Jane Muyanda Kitili:
We have child participation guidelines as a State Department, but children are still not seriously involved in decision-making. Where they are included, they are often not properly prepared for meaningful engagement.
She highlighted progress made through the Kenya Children’s Assembly at the national level and county-level Children’s Assemblies, which allow children to elect leaders and discuss their concerns.
We are also seeing schools move away from teacher-appointed prefects to student-elected leadership. This is a step toward nurturing democratic values among children.
Kitili called for greater efforts to integrate child voices into county and national budgeting processes.
If children’s issues are incorporated into County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), they will gain more visibility in national policies.
Pathways for Sustainable Financing
The Fiscal Space Analysis Report outlines potential revenue streams and cost-saving measures to ensure UCB’s sustainability.
This report encourages evidence-based policymaking and greater coordination among government institutions, development partners, and stakeholders.
He urged all partners to support the report’s recommendations to make UCB a nationwide reality.
Let us ensure that no child is left behind or denied the opportunity to reach their full potential. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘A society’s true reflection is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable—the children.
Conclusion: A Call to Prioritize Children’s Well-Being
The expansion of UCB to 36 months marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey toward inclusive child-sensitive social protection. However, sustainable financing and stronger child participation are critical for long-term success.
With coordinated efforts from the government, stakeholders, and development partners, Kenya has the potential to build a more inclusive, child-centered social protection system that secures the future of its youngest citizens.