IMPLICATIONS OF UNCONDITIONAL CASH TRANSFER ON THE ECONOMIC WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY PERSONS IN KAJIADO, KENYA

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.