The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) has been able to achieve major milestones on the strengthening of social safety nets, bettering labour market outcomes and advancing skills development. These are some of the ways through which the government is demonstrating its commitment to inclusive growth and decent work.
Expanded Social Protection for Vulnerable Groups
The government has greatly increased the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme, which has been able to make a huge impact in the lives of over one million beneficiaries. It has also disbursed KES 201. 8 billion to the elderly, to persons with severe disabilities (PWDs) as well as to orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) during the period from 2022 to 2024.
The number of beneficiaries among older persons grew by 66 per cent and OVC coverage rose by 65 per cent. Digitisation of payments to more than 210, 000 OVC households through M, PESA has helped to improve efficiency and transparency.
Moreover, Kenya is rolling out a Universal Social Pension for persons aged 70 years and above, which is one of the countrys earliest social protection programmes based on entitlements. On the other hand, the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) has been a crucial lifeline during shocks, thus, emergency food aid was extended to over one million drought affected people. In order to improve targeting, the ministry has enhanced the Single Registry which has so far collated data from 16 counties. More than 25, 680 community and self- help groups have been registered to further economic inclusion.
Disability inclusiveness breakthroughs were indicated by a national conference in 2024 and the publication of county, level disability baseline data a year later.
Policy Milestones and International Recognition
Kenyas family and social protection reforms won the country international recognition such as the award from the International Federation for Family Development. During the COVID, 19 crisis, the government released KES 8. 5 billion to the needy through emergency cash transfers. The enactment of the Social Protection Act, 2025, is considered to be a significant step towards universal coverage, thereby bringing the national initiative in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Labour Market and Employment Gains
The ministry reported an increase in international job placements, as more than 202, 000 Kenyan citizens were employed overseas during 2022-2024. Besides, more than 209, 000 workers preparing to move abroad were provided with pre-departure orientation in Kenya.
Further, government signed six bilateral labour agreements and in cooperation with Germany held joint migration consultations to achieve safe labour mobility.
Furthermore, services became more efficient as the time taken to process benefits was cut down from 82 days to only 10 days. On the other hand labour inspections and compliance initiatives resulted in improved collective bargaining coverage and trade union membership.
Skills Development and Youth Employment
The administration introduced among others the major legislations such as the National Skills Development Policy and a National Skills Inventory aimed at matching skills training with the demand in the labour market in 2024.
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