Kiluti, Priscillar Mutethya2026-02-162026-02-162025-11https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32429A Project Report Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration of Kenyatta University, November, 2025 Supervisor: 1.Jane NjorogeCash Transfer Programmes (CTPs) have turned into indispensable emerging interventions to challenge socio-economic inequalities and sustain the vulnerable people in the community. These programs target the elderly, persons living with severe disabilities and orphaned children residing in Kiambu County, Kenya specifically to reduce poverty and increase overall well-being. Despite their implementation, challenges remain in achieving meaningful economic empowerment and social inclusion. This study assessed the effects of CTPs in the improvement of the livelihoods of these special interest groups in Kiambu County. The study research objectives were to examine the influence of cash transfer programme on the social inclusion of special interest groups , assess the effect of cash transfer programmes on the education levels of beneficiaries, determine the influence of cash transfer programmes on poverty levels among special interest groups, and to establish the overall impact of cash transfer programmes on livelihood outcomes of the special interest groups in Kiambu County. The study was conducted among the elderly population aged 70 years and above, orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC) below age 18, as well as persons living with severe disabilities beneficiaries pf cash transfer in Kiambu County. The study employed quantitative method with a cross-sectional research design whereby the respondents of n=384 were drawn using stratified random sampling across fifteen sub-counties in Kiambu County. Data were collected using Structured questionnaires and analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics (version 23) software was employed to describe the output indicators, including beneficiary coverage, transfer frequency and quantity of transfers, disbursement modalities as well as program awareness. The research was guided by Resilience Theory to investigate how beneficiaries cope with and apply cash transfers to increase their socio-economic resilience. The extent to which cash transfers affect the relationship of beneficiaries with varied social and economic spheres were examined through the Disengagement Theory. Progressive Utilization Theory indicated how the beneficiaries’ utilized cash transfer proceeds over time to maximize their well-being. The findings guide the refinement of the CTP delivery, addressing challenges and preparing for stronger social protection initiatives in Kiambu County. Findings revealed that social inclusion through CTPs improved the livelihoods of special interest groups by enhancing community participation. However, economic support alone was insufficient for full social integration, emphasizing the need for community engagement initiatives. CTPs alleviated poverty by increasing financial stability, reducing dependence on loans and improved access to essential services. Education levels influenced beneficiaries' ability to utilize financial aid effectively and enhanced community participation. CTPs improved access to education by covering school-related costs, fostering better learning outcomes. In conclusion, CTPs played a critical role in reducing stigma, strengthening social relationships and improving financial security, although challenges such as resource distribution tensions and shifting household dynamics persisted. Sustainable improvements require complementary programs such as skills training and employment opportunities to address economic and social barriers, maximizing the long-term impact of financial support programs on vulnerable populations.enThesis