The Distributional Politics of Social Transfers in Kenya

Abstract This chapter examines the politics of distributing the Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC); the Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme (OPCT); and the Inua Jamii Pension in four counties in Kenya. The chapter presents two key findings. First, state infrastructural power plays a central role in mediating programme implementation. Where state infrastructural power is high, formal programme guidelines tend to be closely followed. However, where state infrastructural power is low, bureaucrats compensate by relying on local authorities—including administrative chiefs and clan leaders—to assist with programme functions that are outside of their formal roles. Second, there is less political interference in the local distribution of social transfers than the extant literature predicts. Strong formal programme rules and guidelines, combined with significant central oversight over programme implementation, limit local politicians’ influence over distribution.