Abstract:
Economic welfare of elderly persons has been increasing in their challenges. The
government agencies are trying to help elderly persons through unconditional cash
transfers but economic welfare is not well achieved. Social protection schemes that seek
to employ the elderly members of the population are a key, good health, security and
other amenities. The primary aim of this research was to assess the impact of Kenya's
social protection initiative for senior citizens, commonly referred to as the
"Unconditional Cash Transfer Program," on the economic well-being of the elderly
population. The research was centered on Kajiado County in Kenya, one of the initial
counties to implement the program in the country. Kajiado County was chosen for its
potential to provide fresh insights into the program's nature and implications. The study
adopted Kurt Lewin's 1958 theory of change as its theoretical framework. The research
involved a sample of 102 beneficiaries who received unconditional cash transfers,
selected from a target population of 1003 through a stratified random sampling method
across the 5 sub-counties in Kajiado County. Primary data was collected using a survey
questionnaire, and research assistants were employed to facilitate data collection.
Descriptive statistics, aided by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), were
employed to analyze the data. The study utilized statistical tools to examine the
correlation between unconditional cash transfers and the enhancement of economic
welfare among the elderly population in the sampled area of Kajiado County. The
research findings aim to provide fresh perspectives and insights into the efficacy of
different components within the social welfare scheme, specifically within a distinct
settlement and socio-cultural context. The study highlights a notable deficiency in
educational levels among the elderly population, with a majority having only primary
education. Despite this, it was observed that these individuals, particularly those living
with their grandchildren, actively invest in the education of the younger generation. The
majority of beneficiaries receiving unconditional cash transfers fall within the specified
age range of 65 years and above. In light of the findings, the study recommends an
increase in government funding for unconditional cash transfer programs targeting the
elderly to prevent program delays. Furthermore, it suggests the development of a
comprehensive and practical participatory framework. This framework is designed to
function as a foundation for community participation, with a specific emphasis on
involving senior women. Essential elements of this structure encompass mechanisms
and frameworks facilitating public engagement in program design, campaigns, the
selection of administrators and beneficiaries, fiscal audits, and the assessment of the
benefits of interventions.
