Factors influencing the provision of cash transfer to orphans and vulnerable children in Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to examine the factors influencing the provision of cash transfer to orphans and vulnerable children in Kilifi County, Kenya.Though many studies have been made to address the issuance of cash to families with orphans and vulnerable children, little has been done to specifically address factors influencing the provision of cash transfer to orphans and vulnerable children especially in Kilifi County. A review of literature established that management, education, stakeholders and socio economic factors play an important role in influencing the provision of cash transfer to orphans and vulnerable children. Management selected, identified needy households with orphans and vulnerable children, formulated policies that governed the cash transfer programme, allocated resources and finances and monitored and evaluated the performance of the programme. Orphans and vulnerable children receiving support in the programme were guaranteed enrolment, retention in school, their attendance was maintained and their life improved overally. The stakeholders played a central role in terms of ensuring sustainability of the programme by providing funding for the program and determining where and when to scale up the program thus influencing its implementation and how much money was spent to target the OVC. Socio economic factors such as poverty, cultural practices, beliefs and gender socialization influenced how the program was implemented in the targeted areas. The study used a descriptive survey method or research design. It was informed by the need to gather information about the characteristics, actions or opinions of a large group of people with a purpose of making generalizations. The sample population comprised of 120 respondents drawn from OVC, parents/guardians of the OVC, assistant chiefs and headmasters/principals. The study findings showed that there was a strong relationship between the provision of cash transfer to OVC and management, education, stakeholders and socio economic factors that interacted in the community. The test of the hypothesis agreed with the alternative hypothesis that the four factors, that is, management, education, stakeholders and socio economic factors indeed significantly influenced the provision of cash transfer to OVC in Malindi, Kilifi County, Kenya. The study recommends that qualified managers handle the CTOVC Programme. The amount paid to households with OVC should be increased to cater for scholastic materials, school fees and food. The national and county governments should scale up the program to target many needy OVC who are not currently in the programme. Poverty reduction programmes should be enhanced to reduce poverty levels. The study suggests that research should be carried out in other districts and the whole of Kilifi County as a whole to find out the effect of cash transfer program on the OVC since it was introduced in 2009. Also the study suggests that a research should be carried out to determine the sustainability of the Cash Transfer Programme for OVC in Kilifi County since 2009.