Challenges facing implementation of cash transfer program for orphans and vulnerable children in Kenya: a case of Iftin Location, Garissa County

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish challenges facing the implementation of cash transfer programme in Iftin Location, Garissa County. Six research objectives were formulated to guide the study. The study used descriptive survey design. The sample comprised of 58 households, 1 DCO and 15 LOC committee members. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data from the respondents. The questionnaire was used for the DCO and LOC members while interview was used for the household heads. Findings revealed that identification of households with OVCs influenced the implementation of cash transfer programme.

It was also revealed that payment mechanisms influenced the implementation of cash transfer programme. The payment mechanism faced challenges which included not accessing cash in good time distance to the facility, delay in payment of cash and confusion due to change of payment dates, loss of programme identification number and national identification number, delay in payment cycles and unknown dates of payment; high transport cost from home to the service provider and overcrowding during the reception of the cash. There were changes of regular dates for payment a time hence inconveniencing the beneficiaries, there were no clear procedures on cash collection and also cases of falsification of the documents. Majority of the beneficiaries were not able toe to read or write their names.

The study also revealed that multi-sectoral programming influenced the implementation of cash transfer programme. Findings also indicated that recipient's attitude towards cash transfer program affected its implementation. Findings further indicated that collaboration and community participation influenced the implementation of cash transfer programme. For example, the households indicated that the money received was used for the intended purpose. Their responses indicated that it was used for the intended purpose.

Based on the findings it was recommended that resources for identification and validation process should be provided so that the process can run smoothly. The criteria laid for the process should be followed to the letter. The LOCs should be empowered with skills in identification of household. The community should be empowered to have positive attitude towards the programme. There should be other avenues for payment such as banks and mobile money transfer to facilitate payment and to avoid long queues to money collection points and lastly there is need of putting enough personnel in the paying facility. Taking the limitations and delimitations of the study, it was suggested that a study on the effectiveness on the programe should be conducted in other areas to see whether similar results will be achieved. There is also need to conduct a study on the effect of government policy on the implementation of cash transfer.