Social Protection Policy process in Kenya

Background:
The formulation of the policy  has been informed by both International & local experiences. Kenya ratified The Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that Social Protection is a fundamental human right for all citizens -Articles 22- 26 specifically focus on social protection. The Commission for African Union identified social transfers as a key tool in tackling extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa
Kenya is a signatory to the Livingston Declarations of 2006.  The Conference committed Governments under the auspices of African Union (AU) to improve on the implementation of Social Protection Programme. In the Livingstone Call for Action, the African Governments then agreed to integrate social transfers within the National Development Plans and Budgets within the next 2 – 3 years after the 2006 meeting.

The National Social Protection Steering Committee was formed (2007) under the chair of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Children & Social Development
The country, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development, has facilitated formulation of a draft  National Social Protection Policy document that is currently waiting cabinet approval. The policy provides the Government’s intent of putting in place a National Social Protection Program focused on improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable
A wide rage of consultations were held with different stakeholders at various levels (district, provincial, national) 1st  draft of the policy document  produced. Validation of the content of the draft policy was done with stakeholders at various levels  (district, provincial, national), also peer review of the document was condcucted and a final draft produced. Based on the content of the policy a cabinet memorandum was prepared for discussion A National Social Protection Strategy is currently being developed inline with the policy document

Definition
Social Protection refers to policies and actions which enhance the capacity and opportunities for the poor and vulnerable to improve and sustain their livelihoods and welfare

Areas of focus in the SP Policy

• The policy looks at poverty in an integrated and coordinated manner
• It prioritizes reduction of extreme poverty
• It advocates for the provision of cash transfers for those who cannot support themselves
• Emphasizes long-term and predictable interventions
• Stresses on asset creation and support

Aims of the Social Protection Policy

• Defines strategies for the improvement of the socio-economic status of the poor and vulnerable.
• Provides reference guidelines to stakeholders in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of SP programs.
• Provides guidelines for cost effective, predictable and sustainable interventions.
• Provides guidelines for resource mobilizations and allocation.
• Establishes an institutional framework for implementation of a national program

Merits of investing in Social Protection

• Promotes human capital formation while raising labour productivity.
• Enables the poor to protect themselves and their assets against shocks.
• Encourages investment by reducing risks through the predictability of transfers,
• Supports the participation of the poor in the labour market.
• Stimulates demand for local goods & services by supporting enterprises in rural areas
• Helps create an effective and secure state by fostering social cohesion.
• Reinforces conditions to attract local and foreign investment

Mission of the Social Protection Policy

• The mission is to address poverty and reduce vulnerability in the country through creation of a framewor, which provides and promotes immediate support to the poor and vulnerable
• Build their productive capacity, thereby  facilitating their movement out of poverty and reducing the vulnerability of falling into deeper poverty.