The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has called for increased budgetary allocation to strengthen programmes targeting vulnerable groups across the country.

The appeal was made during an appearance before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Social Protection at a retreat held at Sarova Whitesands.

Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, accompanied by Principal Secretary Joseph Motari and senior officials, engaged lawmakers in discussions reviewing key sectoral policies, strategic priorities, ongoing programmes and flagship projects.

The session also assessed performance for the Financial Years 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 up to the second quarter.

The ministry outlined implementation challenges, milestones achieved within the sub-sector and legislative or regulatory gaps requiring policy and legal intervention to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Mutua said the ministry remains committed to working closely with Parliament to enhance accountability and improve programme effectiveness.

“As a Ministry, we remain firmly committed to working closely with Parliament to promote accountability, improve programme effectiveness, and accelerate the realisation of Kenya’s Social Protection Agenda for the benefit of our people,” read Mutua’s X post dated February 28, 2026, in part.

Joint appeal for vulnerable groups

During the meeting, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya joined the call for enhanced funding. Also present were Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Fikirini Jacobs and Principal Secretary for Children Welfare Services Carren Agengo.

The officials urged Parliament to consider increased allocations to accelerate programmes targeting youth, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups. They noted that expanding the reach and impact of social protection initiatives requires additional resources.

Committee Chairperson Alice Ng’ang’a supported the request, observing that the rising number of cases among vulnerable populations reflects growing nationwide demand for social protection services. She said the trend underscores the need for strengthened support systems.

“The Committee Chairperson, Hon.@hon_alicenganga supported the call for increased funding, observing that the rising number of cases among vulnerable populations is a clear indication of the growing demand for social protection services across the country.”

Focus on resilience and service delivery

Mutua highlighted the importance of structured social support mechanisms, noting that lessons from the COVID-19 period revealed gaps in social protection buffers. He said deliberate investment in social capital is necessary to enhance livelihoods and ensure service continuity.

The ministry indicated that progress has been made in advancing Kenya’s social protection agenda, but scaling up programmes depends on sustained funding. Recent fiscal constraints have affected social sector allocations, prompting renewed engagement with Parliament to bridge resource gaps.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued collaboration between the ministry and lawmakers to address policy challenges and strengthen delivery mechanisms.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to reinforce safety nets and improve access to essential services for vulnerable Kenyans.