WORLD BANK UNVEILS $127.5 MILLION BOOST TO LIFT 12 MILLION KENYANS OUT OF POVERTY

World Bank injects $127.5M into Kenya’s social protection system to lift 12 million out of poverty and boost long-term resilience.

Kenya Vulnerable communities World bank Socail protection system Economic inclusion.
Kenya President Dr. Williams Ruto
Kenya President Dr. Williams Ruto


In a transformative move poised to reshape the future of Kenya’s most vulnerable communities, the World Bank has approved a $127.5 million investment for the Second Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP2), expected to benefit over 12 million citizens across the country.

Targeting elderly citizens, women, adolescents, and children, the ambitious program will expand Kenya’s social protection safety net while promoting long-term human capital development and economic inclusion. The KSEIP2 initiative builds upon the achievements of the recently concluded Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP), enhancing delivery systems for equitable access to critical support services.

“Inclusive growth and poverty reduction are realized when there are more and better jobs as well as more accessible jobs for the poorest and most vulnerable populations,” said Qimiao Fan, World Bank Division Director for Kenya. “The project’s innovative elements will prepare today’s children and adolescents for healthy and productive adulthoods, help poorer families with sustainable livelihood enhancement, and ensure that hard-won gains are not lost to food insecurity during the times of drought or other crises.”

Beyond traditional cash transfers, the KSEIP2 will introduce “cash-plus” programs tailored to age-specific needs while promoting climate-resilient income-generating activities. Beneficiaries will also be linked to national social insurance schemes, laying the groundwork for long-term savings and economic resilience.

The project also focuses on crisis preparedness. With northern and northeastern Kenya frequently struck by prolonged droughts, KSEIP2 will channel emergency social assistance to mitigate the socio-economic impact of such environmental shocks.

“The Government of Kenya is focused on breaking the cycle of poverty, especially among families with potential for productivity,” said Shubha Chakravarty, the project’s lead economist at the World Bank. “KSEIP2 aligns with this vision by investing in young people and vulnerable households through a coordinated, multisectoral approach.”

Aligned with the World Bank’s 2023–2028 Country Partnership Framework and Kenya’s Vision 2030, the initiative is set to drive forward national objectives around job creation, social inclusion, and resilience to future crises.

At its core, KSEIP2 reflects Kenya’s constitutional promise: to protect those who cannot support themselves through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.

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