MPs question Ksh12B funding gap in new social protection regulations
By Faith Lagat, April 23, 2026Members of the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation yesterday grilled the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection over a Ksh12 billion funding shortfall in the proposed Social Protection (General) Regulations, 2026.
The regulations are meant to give effect to the Social Protection Act, 2025, by setting eligibility criteria, benefit structures, payment systems and data management rules for State cash transfer programmes.
Committee Chairman Samuel Chepkonga Ainabkoi MP opened the session by seeking details on how the new rules would be implemented.
Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua told MPs that the ministry requires Ksh42 billion annually to reach all eligible beneficiaries, but has been allocated Ksh29 billion in the current financial year.
“What does that mean? I’ll have to go back and knock out some more people who I know are really in need… I am lowering the bar,” Mutua said.
Eligibility and targeting criteria
The disclosure prompted questions from legislators. Gideon Kimaiyo Keiyo, South MP, questioned the criteria used to remove beneficiaries, noting that some individuals had been dropped due to budget constraints rather than improved conditions.
Mutua said the ministry would prioritise the “very needy” within the available resources.
The regulations propose shifting eligibility assessment from individuals to households. Under this model, a senior citizen living in a financially stable household may be excluded despite having no personal income.
Chepkonga said there is need for clear exit strategies within the framework. “People must be graduated; they cannot remain… we are just helping them to get out of a situation,” he said.
Digital reforms
The regulations introduce a digital payment system, with funds to be sent directly from the Central Bank of Kenya to beneficiaries’ M-PESA accounts.
Mutua said the system would replace manual processes and is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. Integration with the national death registry is also planned to remove deceased beneficiaries and prevent fraudulent claims.
Jared Okello Nyando MP said automation would ensure eligible seniors are included without applying. Mutua announced that the qualifying age for cash transfers will be reduced from 70 to 60 years for those who meet the need threshold.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about emergency support. Anthony Olouch Mathare MP cited delays in pension payments and called for inclusion of temporary economic hardships in the framework.
The committee will continue reviewing the regulations as MPs assess their implementation and impact.