Nyeri: At least 4,800 families in Nyeri County are poised to receive Sh9 million through the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) initiative. Nyeri County Children Services Coordinator Joseph Mburu confirmed that the Sh2,000 stipends per beneficiary have been deposited into respective accounts and are designated for the month of August.
According to Kenya News Agency, the funds can be accessed via the e-citizen platform and withdrawn at any Mpesa agent without incurring any charges. Mburu emphasized the importance of utilizing the funds wisely, warning that misuse could result in a change of caregiver. He highlighted that proper use of the funds could significantly enhance family welfare, suggesting small-scale ventures like roadside green groceries as potential uses.
This development follows the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services' recent announcement of releasing Sh881 million under the CT-OVC program, intended to reach 440,537 households through the Inua Jamii initiative. Established in September 2013, the program aims to support society's most vulnerable, enabling them to meet basic needs.
Upon taking office, President Dr. William Ruto instructed an expansion of beneficiaries to approximately 2.5 million under the various cash transfer programs, including Cash Transfer for Persons with Severe Disabilities (CT-PWSDs) and Cash Transfer for Older Persons (OP-CT), to provide aid to more needy individuals.
Mburu explained that eligibility for funding requires a child to be an orphan from a needy background, with vetting conducted through public consultations at chiefs' barazas. Identified children receive financial assistance until age 23, with provisions for families caring for orphans under 18 meeting certain criteria.
Additionally, beneficiaries will enjoy free medical coverage from the State via the Social Health Authority, extending to children in Nyeri County's 28 Children Charitable Institutions (CCIs). Mburu clarified that CCIs will transition to community care homes as part of the Care Reform Strategy for Kenya 2022-2032, aiming to integrate children back into families.
The strategy, under the Children Act of 2022, seeks to transform CCIs into community facilities that offer guidance and counseling, ultimately reintegrating children into family settings. In 2023, former CS for Labour and Social Protection Florence Bore announced plans to abolish privately-owned orphanages within eight years to eliminate child trafficking risks associated with some facilities.
While the government's approach aims to ensure children's well-being, stakeholders like Ann Wambui of Neema Children Rescue Center urge caution, noting potential challenges such as inadequate care for vulnerable children with health issues. The government is encouraged to assess and improve existing facilities rather than shuttering them entirely.
Data from the Social Protection department indicates nearly 50,000 children reside in private CCIs, with additional numbers in government-run institutions. The Children Act of 2022 advocates for alternative care solutions like guardianship and foster care to prevent abuse and child trafficking. Concerns persist about some orphanages exploiting children for donations, as reported by the Stahili Foundation in 2017.