Impact of Older Persons Cash Transfer on Its Beneficiaries in Kenya: a Case of Makadara Constituency, Nairobi City County

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of Older Persons‘ Cash Transfer on its beneficiaries in Makadara Constituency, Nairobi City County. The objectives of the study included describing how older persons‘ cash transfer has improved beneficiaries lives socio-economically, investigating the extent to which cash transfer cushions beneficiaries against shocks and vulnerabilities, and identifying challenges beneficiaries face. The study used a descriptive research design. Sampling was done using stratified random sampling to select 50 beneficiaries as the sample size. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observation. The findings revealed that the fund had contributed in improving the beneficiaries‘ economic lives, access to health care and food. In addition, the study revealed that the cash given was little and not able to meet all beneficiaries‘ basic needs hence need for increase on the amount. The study conclusively noted that the OPCT programme has achieved tremendous gains in securing the wellbeing of older persons and safeguarded beneficiaries from effects of poverty and vulnerabilities. The study, therefore, recommends that the relevant government agencies build the capacity of the beneficiaries on proper utilization of the money received and devise strategies that would strengthen the conditions for receiving cash transfers.