Influence of CT-OVC Programme Support Services on the Wellbeing of Beneficiaries' Households in Kinango Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Despite the implementation of Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) programme in Kinango Sub-County for over 10 years, there is little systematic evidence regarding its impact on beneficiaries. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of support services on the wellbeing of beneficiaries' households in Kinango Sub-County. The study used mixed research methods and employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 2,134 individuals comprising 2,100 caregivers in households that benefited from the CT-OVC programme between January 2016 and December 2018 and 35 programme administrators (2 officers from department of children services at the sub-county, 4 Social Assistance Unit officers at the national level, 14 chiefs, and 14 members of beneficiary welfare committee).  The sample size was 227 individuals, who were obtained from 10 percent of the beneficiary households (210) as well as 50% of the programme administrators in Kinango Sub-County. The study applied clustered random sampling where the sub-county was divided into 14 clusters in line with the 14 administrative locations. Seven (7) clusters were selected from the 14 clusters using simple random sampling. Quantitative data was collected from the caregivers using questionnaires while qualitative data were collected from the programme administrators using interview guides. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Results showed that the CT-OVC programme has improved the well-being of beneficiaries' household by increasing access to education, healthcare and nutrition. However, the programme has had little influence on access to water and sanitation and quality housing. It was also found that support services, such as nutritional education, have a positive and statistically significant influence on wellbeing (X2 = 47.915, df=1, p=.000). Based on these findings, the study recommends the National Safety Net Programme should create awareness regarding existing support services and integrate additional services.