Effectiveness of social cash transfers on asset accumulation and protection in Turkana County, Kenya, a case study of Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP)

Abstract

Social cash transfers have gained prominence and have been implemented across various regions in Kenya as effective tools for alleviating poverty. Evaluations of their impacts reveal that beyond bolstering food security, social cash transfers yield diverse benefits that extend beyond the individual recipient to encompass their entire family network. Cash transfer programmes, such as the HSNP, have been implemented in Turkana County since as far back as 2009. These transfers have been anticipated to yield favourable results in tackling extreme poverty. Yet, there remains uncertainty regarding the amount of money saved after covering essential expenses, which could be utilized for investing in assets. The main aim of the research was to determine how effective the HSNP is in helping people build and safeguard their assets. To achieve this, the research focused on the below specific objectives: To establish the effectiveness of the targeting process of the beneficiaries in the HSNP on asset accumulation and protection; To establish whether the payment frequency of HSNP affects the accumulation of assets and protection and; to determine the effectiveness of the management of the HSNP on asset accumulation and protection.The research holds significant academic, policy, and practical implications. The results of this research were expected to inform the design and execution of future cash transfer programs. Data collection was carried out using various qualitative approaches. Main informant interviews were held with program implementers, local leaders, and community members to gather their insights and experiences with the HSNP. Group discussions were conducted with programme beneficiaries to explore their views on how the HSNP has influenced asset building and safeguarding. The results showed that the HSNP’s targeting approach contributed positively to asset accumulation and protection. However, they also highlighted that the irregular timing of cash disbursements impacted beneficiaries' ability to acquire and secure more assets, due to occasional government delays in releasing funds. The study also found that proper administration of the HSNP plays an important role in supporting asset growth and safeguarding. The study recommends further research to explore areas such as enhancing transparency and resolving technological issues that hinder the effective delivery of the programme.

Keywords: Social cash Transfers, Asset accumulation, protection of assets, Hunger Safety Net Program and

DOI: 10.7176/IKM/15-2-05

Publication date: July 31^st 2025