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The government has released Sh878.8 million to benefit over 439,000 households under the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) Programme for the October 2025 payment cycle. Each household will receive Sh2,000, a lifeline aimed at improving the welfare of children living in poverty and those left without parental care.
The initiative, implemented through the State Department for Children Services under the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, forms part of the Inua Jamii National Safety Net Programme. It is one of the government’s key social protection measures designed to safeguard the most vulnerable groups across the country.
Through the CT-OVC Programme, the state seeks to improve the lives of orphans and vulnerable children by promoting access to essential services such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and child protection. The funds, which began disbursement on 11th November 2025, are being sent through contracted payment service providers to ensure that families receive their stipends promptly and securely.
Since its inception, the Inua Jamii initiative has provided a reliable safety net for thousands of poor households, cushioning them against economic shocks and ensuring they meet their basic needs. The programme has been instrumental in supporting older persons, people with disabilities, and orphaned children, many of whom rely on the monthly cash transfers for food, medical care, and school expenses.
In recent months, the government has introduced a more convenient digital payment system, allowing beneficiaries to access their funds through M-Pesa via the e-Citizen platform. This transition to mobile-based disbursement is expected to make the process faster, safer, and more transparent, particularly for households in remote areas.
The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services has been consistent in releasing funds under the Inua Jamii framework, ensuring that beneficiaries receive continuous support. Officials have emphasized that the programme is not only about financial aid but also about empowering families to provide better care and protection for children within their communities.
Earlier in September, the ministry disbursed Sh1.78 billion to over 445,000 households, covering payments for June and July. Each household received Sh4,000 during that phase, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustaining vulnerable families.
The ministry has also addressed previous delays in payment, attributing them to the programme’s administrative restructuring following the creation of the State Department for Children Services under Executive Order No. 1 of 2025. The restructuring was intended to strengthen coordination in child protection and social welfare initiatives.
Since its launch as a pilot project in Kwale, Garissa, and Nairobi—targeting just 500 households—the CT-OVC Programme has grown into a nationwide initiative reaching more than 440,000 families. Its expansion reflects the government’s broader goal of reducing inequality and supporting inclusive development, particularly among children in disadvantaged circumstances.
Through consistent cash transfers and strengthened community-based care systems, the programme continues to offer hope to thousands of Kenyan children. By easing the burden on caregivers and ensuring that basic needs are met, the CT-OVC Programme stands as one of Kenya’s most impactful social protection efforts, helping shape a healthier and more equitable future for the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
