A new study on inclusion and exclusion barriers and the scalability of social protection programs in Kenya has found that over 51 per cent of exclusion is due to lack of awareness.
The study-a collaborative effort by the European Union and the Finnish Red Cross to strengthen Kenya’s social protection data systems, revealed the awareness gaps as the country works towards fulfilling the global ‘Leave No One Behind’ agenda.
The study was commissioned by The Kenya Red cross and the Ministry of Labor and social protection.
Speaking at the launch, National Social Protection secretariat Jane Kitili, said that the study will inform policy reforms and strengthen Kenya’s social protection systems in line with the Kenya Social Protection Policy (2023).
“This report serves as a mirror showing us where we are falling short and as a roadmap guiding us towards better solutions. We commissioned this study in collaboration with the Red Cross to help us understand the nature and process of exclusion and explore how our systems can be scaled to respond effectively to both long-term vulnerabilities and sudden shocks. I’m happy that the whole discussion about anticipatory actions is taking shape.”
The study which was done by Pan African Research services limited (PARS) was done in three counties in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) region as they receive humanitarian aid but still face significant social protection gaps, the sample counties also represented communities that are most exposed to hazards, including drought and floods, and reflected the most pressing social protection challenges.
Peter Murgor, Kenya Red Cross Manager for Disaster Risk Reduction and Social Protection, said the study was timely as the government hopes to expand its coverage from 1.2 million to 2 million beneficiaries and diversifying programming to include informal economy workers such as farmers and fishermen.
“We needed to understand why some deserving people are left out while others are wrongly included. The findings will help us improve beneficiary data collection and design more inclusive programs.”
He also mentioned that the study recommended for the use of technology to promote inclusivity through self-registrations geolocation of beneficiaries, and digital updates for persons with permanent disabilities and chronic illnesses.
“Technology expands opportunities for inclusion. People living with disabilities or chronic illnesses can self-register, reducing the risk of exclusion and eliminating unnecessary repeated assessments,” he said.
“We work closely with the Social Protection Secretariat under the State Department of Labor and Social Protection. Over the years, we saw the need to strengthen social protection data systems. With EU and Finnish Red Cross support, we funded and coordinated this study to identify barriers causing wrongful inclusion or exclusion of deserving people,” Mr Murgor said.
