Analysis of Devolved Social Safety Funds on Household Welfare in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: Social safety funds should effectively and efficiently reach needy households, providing a safety net that enhances their welfare and reduces poverty levels in the community. The Kenya National Safety Net Programme (NSNP) is a government social protection programme established in September 2013 as part of the government’s initiative to improve and enhance social protection and improve the welfare of the poor household particularly at the grass root. This study therefore aimed at analyzing the impact of devolved social safety funds on household welfare in Kenya. Methodology: The study employed a non-experimental pooled cross-sectional research design. Cross-sectional data was collected from selected households using a structured questionnaire. The study targeted a population of 1,128,693 households lifted from the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey (2015/2016). Fisher's formula was used in sample selection, where a sample of 384 respondents was selected.  A multivariate regression model was used to analyze data. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data acquired in the research. Findings: The findings revealed that devolved Social Safety funds significantly and positively influence household welfare in Kenya. Most beneficiaries under study, particularly the elderly recorded a greater improvement in their welfare. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Given the findings, it is recommended that the government of Kenya should increase the flow of these funds to target a larger proportion of the rural households. This will positively change the welfare of most vulnerable households, particularly in the rural areas.