NAIROBI – The Senate Labour and Social Welfare Committee, chaired by West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor, sharply rebuked the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection for systemic shortcomings in supporting Kenya’s vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), the elderly, and at-risk children.
During the session, lawmakers grilled Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua and newly appointed Principal Secretary for Children Welfare Services, Carren Ageng’o, over flawed data, policy delays, and gaps in social welfare systems.
The committee’s inquiry, sparked by statements from Senators Crystal Asige, James Murango, and Hamida Kibwana, who critiqued Kenya’s strained social safety net.
Disability Data Deficiencies
Senator Crystal Asige, the committee’s Vice Chair, slammed the exclusion of PWDs from the 2019 national census, declaring, “If we are not counted, we do not count.”
She criticized the Washington Group Short Set of Questions for missing key groups, such as children under five and those with less visible disabilities.
Dr. Mutua acknowledged the gaps and announced a planned KSh 800 million disability census, but Asige rejected the proposed tool as ill-suited to Kenya’s context.
Inua Jamii Woes
The Inua Jamii cash transfer program, recently shifted to the e-Citizen platform, drew scrutiny for technical glitches and exclusions that have stranded beneficiaries.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango highlighted issues like mismatched IDs and mobile loan deductions eroding payments. While Dr. Mutua claimed the digital transition saved KSh 1.8 billion in fees, he admitted to ongoing challenges.
Senator Asige flagged rising financial abuse by caregivers, urging stricter oversight.
Elder Abuse Allegations
Mombasa Senator Hamida Kibwana raised concerns about alleged abuse at the PCEA Thogoto Care Home for the elderly.
Dr. Mutua’s response was deemed inadequate, prompting Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku to demand a detailed report within seven days, addressing each allegation and outlining government findings.
Dr. Mutua introduced the Older Persons Bill, 2024, which seeks to operationalize Article 57 of the Constitution by defining elder abuse, setting care home standards, and aligning with the forthcoming Social Protection Bill.
He conceded that the lack of a robust legal framework has left elderly Kenyans vulnerable to neglect and abuse.
Child Welfare Crisis
In her Senate debut, PS Carren Ageng’o painted a grim picture of the underfunded Children Welfare Services Department, which operates on a KSh 1.87 billion budget—far below its KSh 5.78 billion request—with only 1,000 staff nationwide.
Despite constraints, Ageng’o outlined plans for specialized units focusing on child protection, family-based care, and online safety.
She advocated shifting from institutional to family-based care, noting that 90% of children in homes could be reintegrated with proper support.
Regulations under the Children’s Act 2022 are nearing completion, she added, emphasizing the need to combat online exploitation and trafficking.
Exploitation of Disabled Children
Machakos Senator Beth Syengo condemned the orchestrated exploitation of children with disabilities for street begging, implicating powerful individuals.
Ministry officials admitted the issue involves both Kenyan and Tanzanian children, with repatriation efforts complicated by diplomatic tensions.
Weak enforcement has resulted in rescued children returning to the streets within weeks.
The committee and officials of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection have agreed to addressing these challenges through new legislation.
The lawmakers stressed the need for political will, regional cooperation, accurate data, and substantial investment in Kenya’s social protection framework to deliver lasting solutions.
