This archive report was first published on 27 August 2021.
On August 27, 2021, Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui announced that the government had set aside Sh30 billion for the National Safety Net Program (NSNP) in the 2021/2022 financial year.
The program, which offers financial assistance to the elderly and needy, has seen a significant increase in coverage, with up to 1.3 million households benefiting, compared to just 500 in 2012.
According to Chelugui, up to 12% of the country's vulnerable population has received assistance through the program, which aligns with the government's commitment to reducing poverty as outlined in Kenya Vision 2030.
Additionally, the government provided a further Sh26.3 million in payments to 12,054 benefiting households in July 2021, who met the eligibility criteria for nutrition through the cash and health education (NICHE) program.
Chelugui also highlighted the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the introduction of the pandemic Response and Management Bill, 2020.
