Examining the Effect of Cash Transfer on Mutual Support Among Beneficiaries of Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme in Urban Informal Settlements

Abstract

Cash transfer programmes are largely known for their capacity to reinforce social wellbeing afar reducing poverty, yet literature on their impacts on reciprocity among elderly people is limited. This paper examined the effect of the Older Persons Cash Transfer programme on mutual support among elderly beneficiaries in Kisumu Central Sub-County, Kenya. It employed cross-sectional descriptive design, data was gathered using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informants. The findings revealed that OPCT facilitates financial security and builds interpersonal trust and mutual support among beneficiaries. However, family relationships continue to be the predominant source of financial, emotional, physical, and material assistance, whilst help from neighbours and the community at large is insufficient. Hence, OPCT’s influence on community support is restrained by limited CT, delayed payments, urbanization, destabilized family frameworks, and economic challenges. Reinforcing reciprocal support among elderly people, calls for predictable and sufficient CT alongside programmes that strengthen family and community support structures.

Keywords: Older Persons Cash Transfer, Mutual Support, Social Protection, Social Capital, Older Persons, Kenya

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/16-2-05

Publication date: August 28^th 2026