By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, 4 August 2026 - Thousands of vulnerable households across Kenya have started receiving cash transfers from the government following the completion of a nationwide biometric verification exercise conducted under the Inua Jamii social protection programme.
According to the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, beneficiaries registered under the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) programme are receiving KSh6,000 each, covering payments for April, May and June 2026. The amount represents three monthly instalments of KSh2,000 each.
Officials said the payments officially began on July 31 and are being channelled through contracted payment service providers across the country.
"The Gender Ministry wishes to inform beneficiaries of the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children programme that the payment for April, May and June 2026 has been successfully disbursed," the ministry said in a statement.
The latest disbursement follows a two-month nationwide biometric registration exercise that required beneficiaries to verify their identities using fingerprints and facial recognition technology. The exercise was intended to eliminate fraud, remove duplicate records and ensure that assistance reaches eligible households.
The government also used the exercise to register new beneficiaries, including children from marginalised communities and vulnerable families.
Beneficiaries experiencing difficulties accessing the funds have been advised to visit county and sub-county children's offices or call the toll-free government helpline for assistance.
The Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children programme was established in 2004 and later incorporated into the broader Inua Jamii social protection initiative. The programme seeks to support households caring for children who have lost one or both parents or who live in highly vulnerable environments.
The programme focuses on several areas, including:
- Increasing school enrolment and retention.
- Improving children's nutrition and healthcare.
- Strengthening household food security.
- Enhancing child protection and welfare.
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The latest payment is only one part of a much larger government effort to strengthen social protection systems.
In March, the government announced the release of more than KSh1.7 billion to over 430,000 households under the same programme. Earlier in January, authorities distributed approximately KSh877 million to more than 438,000 households.
Children Services Principal Secretary Carren Ageng'o has repeatedly emphasised the importance of the initiative in reducing poverty and strengthening support systems for vulnerable children.
The latest disbursement comes at a critical time for many Kenyan families as inflation continues to push up the prices of food, electricity and transportation.
For thousands of guardians caring for orphaned children, the funds help cover school fees, uniforms, healthcare expenses and daily household needs. Analysts say such programmes have become increasingly important as economic pressures continue to affect vulnerable communities across the country.
The government has already indicated that preparations for the July payment cycle are at an advanced stage and that beneficiaries will receive further communication once the next round of payments is released.
Government Releases KSh 6,000 to Orphans and Vulnerable Children After Nationwide Verification Exercise
The initiative aims to reduce poverty and strengthen support systems for vulnerable children.