The government has started releasing Sh6,000 cash transfers to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable households under the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) programme, clearing payments for three months as it moves to support families caring for orphaned and vulnerable children across the country.
The Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services said beneficiaries are now receiving funds covering the April, May and June 2026 payment cycles, with disbursement having started on Friday, July 31. At the same time, the ministry said plans for the July payment cycle are already at an advanced stage.
In a statement issued on Monday, the State Department for Children Services confirmed that the funds have been released and are available for withdrawal through contracted Payment Service Providers.
"Each beneficiary household is receiving Sh. 6,000, representing three payment cycles of Sh. 2,000 each for the April, May and June 2026 payment cycles. The payment commenced on Friday, 31st July 2026," the ministry said.
Beneficiaries who have not yet collected the money have been advised to first confirm that they have received an official payment notification from their Payment Service Provider before visiting a payment agent.
The ministry also urged anyone facing payment-related challenges to seek help at the nearest Sub-County, County or Regional Children's Office. Those in need of further assistance can also call the toll-free number 1533.
"Preparations for the July 2026 payment cycle are at an advanced stage, and beneficiaries will be informed once the payment is ready for disbursement," the ministry added.
The State Department said the continued release of the funds shows the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable families through social protection programmes.
"The Government remains committed to ensuring timely social assistance to vulnerable households, strengthening household resilience, promoting access to education, healthcare and nutrition, and enhancing child protection," the statement said.
The Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children programme was introduced in 2004 and remains Kenya's oldest government cash transfer programme. It was established to support poor households raising orphaned and vulnerable children by helping them meet basic needs while improving children's welfare.
The programme currently reaches about 440,000 households across the country. Each household receives Sh2,000 every month to help cover essential expenses, including education, healthcare and nutrition.
Beyond financial support, the programme is also aimed at protecting vulnerable children by enabling them to remain with their families and within their communities instead of being placed in institutional care.