INFLUENCE OF THE INUA JAMII PROGRAM ON THE WELFARE OF ITS BENEFICIARIES IN MVITA CONSTITUENCY, MOMBASA COUNTY
INFLUENCE OF THE INUA JAMII PROGRAM ON THE WELFARE OF ITS BENEFICIARIES IN MVITA CONSTITUENCY, MOMBASA COUNTY
Mwanyuma Eddy Mele - Student, Master of Public Policy and Administration, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Edna Jemutai Moi - Lecturer, Department of Educational Management, Policy and Curriculum Studies, School of Education & Lifelong Learning, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Most countries, particularly developing nations, face high poverty levels, extreme hunger, and socio-economic vulnerability due to various factors. To address these issues, governments have introduced social protection programs, with a focus on cash transfer initiatives. These cash transfer programs aim to provide direct and regular payments to the poor and vulnerable, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and orphans, to meet their basic needs. The importance of the study was to determine the influence of the Inua Jamii Program on the welfare of its beneficiaries in Mvita Constituency, Mombasa County on three objectives that are overall health, financial independence and on social participation. The study was to aid in improving the social protection programs with the bigger role of reducing extreme poverty and high dependency rates and it is based on two theories which are theory for change and resilience theory. A sample size of 311 respondents was obtained from a target population of 1,394 of the people of Mvita who are beneficiaries of the Inua Jamii program. The data was collected using questionnaires and was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Further, the study performed inferential analysis which involved the use of chi square and Multiple linear regression. A p value of 0.05 was used to determine if there is any statistical relationship between the parameters of the study. The study sought approval from graduate school in Kenyatta University and NACOSTI to conduct the study. The analysis spans descriptive and inferential methodologies, utilizing survey data and regression analysis to assess program outcomes. Key findings reveal significant positive impacts on financial assistance, security, and basic needs met, though challenges persist in social engagement and community integration. Comparative insights from global social support programs underscore opportunities for enhancement in financial literacy, social activity promotion, and inclusive community strategies. The Pearson Chi-Square value is 18.577 with 6 degrees of freedom and an asymptotic significance (2-sided) of 0.001, indicating a statistically significant relationship between the program's influence and the overall health of the elderly. The Inua Jamii program has notably improved financial independence among elderly beneficiaries in Mvita Constituency, evidenced by positive perceptions of financial assistance, security, and basic needs fulfillment. However, mixed responses regarding social engagement highlight areas for improvement. Drawing from successful global models, such as Brazil's Bolsa Família and India's social pension programs, enhancing financial literacy, expanding social activity opportunities, and fostering community inclusion could optimize program effectiveness. Addressing these aspects could further enhance the program's impact on the overall well-being of elderly beneficiaries. To enhance the Inua Jamii program's effectiveness, it is recommended to implement targeted strategies: Enhance Social Engagement: Develop comprehensive strategies to promote social activities and community involvement among elderly beneficiaries, ensuring inclusivity and meaningful participation. These steps align with global best practices and could significantly enhance the program's ability to support elderly beneficiaries' financial independence and overall well-being.
