World Bank Launches $127.5M Social Inclusion Project to Benefit 12M Kenyans

The World Bank has approved the Second Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP2) — a landmark initiative poised to transform Kenya’s social protection architecture by expanding safety net coverage to an estimated 12 million vulnerable citizens. With a focus on inclusivity, resilience, and long-term economic empowerment, the project is designed to address the needs of the poor and marginalized across all age groups—from children and adolescents to elderly citizens and women—while enhancing national systems for human capital development and social security.

A Vision Rooted in Inclusion and Resilience

KSEIP2, a $127.5 million investment financed by the International Development Association (IDA), is a successor to the recently concluded Kenya Social and Economic Inclusion Project (KSEIP). It aims to build on past achievements while integrating lessons learned to reinforce Kenya’s delivery mechanisms for inclusive social and economic advancement.

The project’s strategic priorities align with Kenya Vision 2030 and the constitutional mandate to provide social protection to those unable to support themselves. It is also directly aligned with the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework (FY23–FY28), particularly its pillars of human capital development, household resilience, and job creation.

Enhancing the National Safety Net and Scaling Cash-Plus Programs

At the heart of KSEIP2 lies a significant scale-up of “cash-plus” programs—comprehensive support mechanisms that go beyond basic cash transfers. These will complement Kenya’s existing National Safety Net Program (NSNP), enabling the government to extend its reach and efficacy through services tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable demographics.

• For children and adolescents, the project will support interventions that bolster nutrition, early childhood development, and educational engagement—foundational elements in building healthy, productive adults.

• For working-age beneficiaries, it will introduce climate-resilient income-generating activities, empowering individuals to pursue self-sufficiency through sustainable livelihoods.

• For elderly citizens and women, the program will ensure continued support and access to financial and social services, including integration with government-run social insurance and pension schemes to promote long-term resilience and retirement security.

Building Shock-Responsive and Climate-Resilient Systems

Kenya’s North and Northeastern counties are increasingly affected by droughts and climate-related emergencies, disproportionately impacting already vulnerable communities. KSEIP2 will invest in emergency social assistance mechanisms that provide temporary support during crises, helping families withstand economic shocks without losing hard-won developmental gains.

Additionally, the project will finance modernization of social protection delivery systems, improving the use of digital tools, targeting mechanisms, and real-time data collection to ensure responsive and efficient services.

A Holistic Approach to Poverty Disruption

Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Qimiao Fan, Division Director for Kenya, emphasized the integrated nature of the program:

“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. This 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 drought or other crises.”

Shubha Chakravarty, World Bank Senior Economist and Task Team Leader for KSEIP2, reiterated the government's commitment to a multi-pronged development approach:

“The KSEIP2 Project supports the government’s ambition to disrupt the vicious cycle of poverty by focusing on investments in children and adolescents, as well as households with productive capacity. This objective will be achieved by working in synergy with other relevant government programs.”

Long-Term Impact and Economic Empowerment

Through KSEIP2, Kenya is taking a proactive stance toward transforming its social welfare model into one that not only responds to vulnerability, but also enables sustainable pathways out of poverty. By strengthening institutional capacity and focusing on economic inclusion, the project aims to empower individuals, households, and communities to take part in national development and weather future challenges.

As Kenya continues to navigate economic uncertainty and climate volatility, KSEIP2 offers a beacon of opportunity, resilience, and inclusive progress for millions of citizens at the margins of prosperity.