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A new multi-sectoral policy think-tank has been formed to advise on the government’s Sh26 billion-a-year Social Protection Programme.

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said the Community of Practice for Social Protection (CoP) is aimed at advising on issues of the sector including best ways of reforming the cash dusbursement transfers.

“This is a forum through which practitioners, implementers and stakeholders will share knowledge and best social protection practices to spur the advancement of the sector in Kenya,” he said in a statement yesterday. 

He said the CoP will be a knowledge management platform that brings together social protection stakeholders, policymakers, legislators and well-wishers to examine opportunities of partnership and overall knowledge sharing in the sector and improve coordination. 

Chelugui said Kenya was boldly embracing social protection to fight poverty and vulnerability amongst its citizens, and as a way of promoting equity and social inclusion.

“The Government has embraced social protection as a tool for poverty reduction and economic growth amongst the most vulnerable and poor population,” the CS said. 

The Government, he said, was impressed with the outcomes of social protection in cushioning the poor and vulnerable through government led interventions in social assistance, social security and health insurance. 

“These interventions are key in promoting equity and social inclusion as envisaged in the Kenya Constitution,” he said during the launch of the COP. 

He said social protection programmes has brought about good gains, including income security for households, dignity, broadening of financial inclusion to the most vulnerable, improved child development, economic stimulus and opportunities for business.

The Government currently runs cash transfer to Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme, Cash Transfer to Persons with Severe Disabilities and the Hunger Safety Net Programme, managed by the State Department of Devolution.