Environmental and Socioeconomic Challenges in the Access of Cash Transfer Funds by Older Persons in Murang’a County, Kenya
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Date
2024-03
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
In realizing that older people are more vulnerable, many nations, including Kenya, have put in place social protection programs geared towards protecting social welfare and rights, thus reducing poverty and inequality among the elderly. This study sought to examine environmental and socioeconomic challenges associated with the access of cash transfers by examining the characteristics of the older persons benefiting from the cash transfer funds, the challenges they face in accessing the cash transfer funds, and the coping mechanism they use in accessing the cash transfer funds in Murang'a County. The study used the social breakdown theory. An exploratory research design was used that targeted older persons above 70 years of age who were beneficiaries of older person's cash transfer funds. A semi-structured interview schedule was used in data collection. Focus group discussions were also conducted with the older persons. Key informants including representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the local administration (chiefs) were also interviewed. Stratified random sampling was used for equal representation of both males and females to get 225 respondents across the four sub-counties. This sample was proportionately divided across four sub counties which were purposively sampled because of the nature of their terrain. Since the study adopted a mixed methods approach, the quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to generate descriptive statistics. The qualitative data was analyzed through the generation of themes. The researcher adhered to ethical principles in conducting the research participation in the study was voluntary. The finding revealed that older persons suffer more due to environmental and socioeconomic challenges that surround them. Social exclusion and inequality, age, and disability increase their vulnerability. They face challenges with the distance to the cash collection points, the terrain is difficult to navigate, the transport means are unpredictable and uncomfortable for some older persons and they also face challenges with weather conditions characterized by rainfall. In dealing with the challenges, older persons reported using caregivers to help them access the funds, collecting the funds by themselves, waiting patiently to be served, and inquiring about the availability of funds. Although the OPTC has been of benefit to older persons, a lot of improvements are required in order to achieve timely disbursement and accessibility of the funds as the study found.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of Degree of Master of Arts in Sociology of Kenyatta University, March, 2024
Supervisor:
1.Francis P. Kerre
2.Samuel Mwangi