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The Government has allocated Sh38.2 billion for social protection and affirmative actions in the Financial Year 2023/24 budget.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, Prof Njuguna Ndung’u says payment of the cash transfers will now be prioritised and paid alongside the monthly government payroll as and when it is due.

This is in a bid to ensure the elderly and other vulnerable groups under the cash transfer programme do not take long wait for their cash.

“At the heart of the Government’s development agenda, is the inclusion in society and employment opportunities for vulnerable members,” said the CS, in his budget speech.

He said that out of the total proposed allocation, Sh18 billion will cater for cash transfers to elderly persons, Sh7.9 billion for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and another Sh1.2 billion for persons with severe disabilities.

According to CS, the proposed allocations to the vulnerable members of the society also include Sh5.6 billion for the Kenya Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) and Sh3.3 billion for the Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project.

Similarly, Sh900 million will go to the Child Welfare Society of Kenya another Sh400 million for the Presidential Bursary for orphans and Sh459 million for the national development fund for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

“These allocations will remain “ring-fenced” from any budget rationalization and will be fully funded in order to achieve the desired results,’ said the CS. At the same time, the CS allocated Sh81.9 billion towards empowering the youth and supporting businesses owned by youth and women.

“The most pressing challenge in our country at the moment is the lack of job opportunities for the youth. This has been exacerbated by the hard economic times following several negative shocks,” he stated.

According to the CS, the proposed allocations include Sh13.1 billion for National Youth Service (NYS), Sh602 million for the Kenya Youth Empowerment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP), Sh300 million for the establishment of Youth Empowerment Centres and another Sh229.7 million to implement the Vijana Vuka na Afya (VIVA) youth programme. To support the film industry, he proposed a budget allocation of Sh100 million to strengthen the film industry.