About the Cash Transfer Programme for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC)

In response to the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, in 2004 the Government of Kenya, with support from Development Partners, launched the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) Programme. This initiative was designed to provide critical support to households caring for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), helping to improve their well-being and future prospects.

Programme Overview

The CT-OVC Programme began as a pilot project targeting 500 households across three districts: Kwale, Garissa, and Nairobi. Since then, it has expanded nationwide, now supporting over 440,000 vulnerable households across all counties and constituencies. The monthly cash transfer has also increased from an initial KSh. 500 every two months to KSh. 2,000 per month, reflecting the government’s growing commitment to these vulnerable populations. The last enrolment of new households into the programme was in October 2023. This programme is currently fully sponsored by the Government.

Objectives

The primary goal of the CT-OVC Programme is to promote the care and retention of OVC within their families and communities, while fostering their human capital development. Key focus areas include:

1. Enhancing Education: Increasing enrolment and regular attendance of OVC in basic education.
2. Improving Child Health: Reducing mortality and morbidity among children under five by promoting immunization, growth monitoring, and vitamin A supplementation.
3. Ensuring Food Security: Supporting household food consumption and overall food security.
4. Promoting Civil Registration: Encouraging timely registration of births and caregivers to ensure access to essential services.
5. Supporting HIV/AIDS Care: Improving household knowledge and management of HIV/AIDS through coordinated services.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CT-OVC Programme, households must meet the following criteria:

1. extremely poor household with one or more OVCs as a permanent member;
2. a household not benefiting from any social assistance programme; and
3. a household with a caregiver who is chronically ill and/or unable to perform his/her duties.

Government Investment and Impact

Since its inception, the CT-OVC Programme represents a government investment of over KSh. 100 billion in supporting Kenya’s most vulnerable children and their families. This commitment underscores the nation’s dedication to building a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for all children.