KENYA RE-IMAGINES SOCIAL PROTECTION AS MUTUA CALLS FOR STRONGER SUPPORT FOR YOUTH, WORKERS AND VULNERABLE FAMILIES
By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
NAIROBI, September 29, 2026 — Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has called for a broader approach to social protection that goes beyond poverty relief to include livelihood creation, resilience building and economic empowerment.
Speaking during the 4th Edition of the Kenya Social Protection Conference 2026, held under the theme “Re-imagining Social Protection in an Evolving Socio-Economic Landscape and Climate Change,” Mutua said Kenya must continue strengthening systems that protect vulnerable households while creating pathways to sustainable economic security.
The CS noted that Kenya has made significant progress since the establishment of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Cash Transfer Programme in 2004, pointing to the Social Protection Policy 2023, Persons with Disabilities National Policy 2024, Social Protection Act 2025 and Persons with Disabilities Act 2025 as key milestones.
Mutua said the next phase should focus on expanding protection to workers in the informal economy, strengthening livelihoods, building resilience against economic and climate-related shocks and creating opportunities for young people to become economically secure and self-reliant.
He highlighted NYOTA, which combines training, mentorship and business start-up capital, as an example of an approach aimed at helping young people transition from vulnerability to enterprise and sustainable livelihoods.
“Every Kenyan, young or old, deserves the opportunity to live a dignified life,” Mutua said, emphasising the need for collective action involving Government, the private sector, development partners, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders.
He added that the success of Kenya’s development should also be measured by how effectively society supports people facing economic and social challenges.
The conference brought together senior Government officials, development partners and stakeholders to discuss the future of social protection amid changing socio-economic conditions and climate change.
Mutua was joined by Principal Secretary for Social Protection Joseph Motari, Federation of Kenya Employers Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya Dr. Garry Conille, among other dignitaries, development partners and ministry officials.
