Background
Social protection interventions in Kenya have grown significantly since the introduction of cash transfers by the government. The Orphan and Vulnerable Cash Transfer programme was launched in 2004 to cater for orphans and vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS. It began as a pilot project in Garissa, Kwale and Nairobi supporting 500 children each receiving Ksh. 500 monthly. Since then, the government has scaled up social assistance and other social protection interventions that cushion the poor and vulnerable.
The Government of Kenya’s commitment to providing social protection is enshrined in the Constitution. Article 43(1) provides that ‘every person has a right to social security …. and guarantees all Kenyans their economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health, education and decent livelihoods’. It further asserts in Article 43(3) that the State “shall provide appropriate social security to persons who are unable to support themselves and their dependents”. Article 21 of this Constitution directs the state to work towards the progressive realization of social and economic rights and binds the State to “observe, respect, protect, and fulfill the rights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill of Rights.
This is further demonstrated by various policies and legislative frameworks deployed by various bodies of Government. Social protection is geared towards ensuring the development and enhancement of human capital through poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
Since the enactment of the Sessional Paper No.2 of 2014 on the National Social Protection Policy, there has been increased investment in social protection interventions in Kenya. Notable expansion has been witnessed in social protection programmes, systems, capacities and shock responsiveness.
Social Protection Conference Week 2023 is an opportunity to celebrate and take stock of the sector since the 2018 Conference whose theme was "Scaling Up Investment in Social Protection for the Delivery of Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Achievement of SDGs”. Further, the objective to the 2018 Conference was to create an opportunity for learning and sharing of experiences amongst various social protection actors with a view to stimulating, motivating, promoting and advocating for increased investment in social protection by all actors, at all levels in a coherent and coordinated manner.
Objective
The Social Protection Conference 2023 to be held under the theme ‘Accelerating Inclusive and Integrated Social Protection System in Kenya: Strategies for Expansion of Coverage and Improved Shock Responsiveness’ will provide an opportunity for the sector to advance the social protection agenda with a view of ensuring increased coverage and access. The objective of SPC 2023 is to chart the way towards inclusion and expansion of social protection for all Kenyans. This also includes strengthening coverage and adequacy of social protection in the country.
Limited coverage in social protection is experienced by segments of the population including children, older persons, persons with disabilities, youth, and women. This also is experienced more specifically by minority groups, workers, migrants, refugees, unemployed persons and those in the Jua Kali sector.
Promoting inclusive social protection will ensure that vulnerable groups are cushioned from poverty, social exclusion and deprivation throughout the lifecycle. Inclusion will promote active participation of citizens in different facets of society. It is key to building resilience for all against shocks and crises over the life cycle.
Justification
Kenya Government commitment: the new government is committed to universal social security, eradicating malnutrition within first five years in children through integrated package services, inclusion in society and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, increasing coverage for vulnerable groups and increasing financing to the National Safety Net to be at par with other lower middle-income countries which spend up to 1.7 percent of their GDP on social protection.
Social Protection Inclusion agenda: there are groups of people in Kenya who are still persistently grappling with harsh economic situations, shocks, disasters and inequalities. Uplifting these groups requires social inclusion by ensuring availability, access and adequacy of social protection interventions.
Scope
The Conference will bring together national and international participants. Global and national speakers will be identified depending on the topics of the Conference and their expertise.
Methodology
The planning of the Conference shall be undertaken by the Main Committee chaired by the Principal Secretary. The Main Committee will be charged with the overall responsibility of organizing the Conference and will convene monthly. This Committee will have support Committees namely:
- Program and Conference Sub-Committee;
- Protocol and Logistics Sub-Committee
- Communications and Publicity Sub-Committee
- Budget and Resource Mobilization Sub-Committee
Conference Delivery Mechanisms
The Conference will be delivered through:
1. Presentations will take the following forms:
- Round tables - presenters deliver the content on specified topics followed by interactive discussions with the audience.
- Keynote addresses of not more than 20 minutes by one or more speakers with participants given a chance to ask questions.
- Panelist discussions - integrated panels that include multiple discussants focusing on an issue for a maximum duration of 90 minutes.
- Plenary - interactive sessions by all the participants to allow the exchange of practical experiences.
2. Exhibitions: this will provide the social protection actors an opportunity to promote and create publicity to their products and services.