NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 2 – A new report by Save the Children reveals that over one million children in Kenya could benefit from the Universal Child Benefit (UCB) by 2030, significantly expanding social protection for vulnerable children.
The program aims to reduce child poverty and provide families with the necessary support to improve their children’s well-being.
The pilot UCB program, conducted in partnership with UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the State Department for Social Protection, has already shown promising results.
Around 8,300 children in Kajiado, Embu, and Kisumu counties received KSh 800 per child monthly.
Findings indicate improved child health, reduced financial strain on families, and a strong return on investment, where every Sh1 invested generated Sh2.85 in benefits.
The pilot also provided essential services such as healthcare, nutrition, and disability inclusion, further demonstrating the program’s potential.
According to Pornpun Jib Rabiltossaporn, Country Director for Save the Children Kenya and Madagascar, expanding the UCB program presents a vital opportunity to address immediate child welfare concerns while laying the foundation for a more equitable future in Kenya.
The Fiscal Space Analysis Report highlights that more than half of Kenya’s children—52.5%—experience multidimensional poverty, facing challenges related to income, food security, and education.
Additionally, 42% of children are monetarily poor, while 36.2% suffer from food insecurity.
Despite these challenges, Kenya’s social protection coverage remains critically low at just 0.4% of GDP, significantly below the regional average of 2.1%.
While government initiatives such as Inua Jamii have provided support to some vulnerable groups, social protection coverage for children remains insufficient, with only 11% of children currently benefiting.
The report warns that without targeted intervention, this gap could perpetuate cycles of intergenerational poverty and exclusion.
To address this issue, the report urges the government to consider a phased rollout of UCB, prioritizing the most vulnerable children. By expanding social protection, Kenya can make significant strides in reducing child poverty and fostering long-term socio-economic development.
