Effects of cash transfer on social networks of older persons in Ndhiwa district, Homa-bay county, Kenya

Cash transfer program for older persons in Kenya started in 2007; the program is nationwide and is currently covering over 58,600 older persons aged over 65 years old. Without a reliable data concerning the effectiveness of the program, chances were high that it might fail to convince stakeholders to support it in future. This study intended to evaluate the effects of cash transfer on social networks of older persons in Ndhiwa District in Homa-Bay County. Specific objectives of the study were; to examine the relationship between eating food together and social networks of older persons, to find out the contribution of borrowing and sharing food on the social networks of older persons and to determine the influence of participation in community activities on social networks of older persons. Based on the conceptual framework adopted from the Social Capital Theory authored by Bourdieu et al in 1983, a cross sectional descriptive research design was employed targeting a population of 375 older persons who were enrolled in the cash transfer program in Ndhiwa District. Households were systematically randomly sampled by using Yasmane's (1967) sample size calculation formula, and then 79 households were selected for the study. Data collection instruments and methods included questionnaires; key informant interviews (KIls), observation checklist and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Six key informants targeting; the district commissioner, four area chiefs and one Divisional Social Development Assistant (DSDA) participated. Two FGDs were conducted and the first one was composed of six DSDAs while the second one consisted of members of the district older persons' committee. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS v 16.0) to produce descriptive statistics. While, qualitative data was sorted, consolidated and categorized into themes and sub themes to strengthen discussion of the study findings. Findings obtained from this study showed that, eating food together enhanced relationship among family members. Through borrowing and sharing food, 76% of respondents were able to eat at least three meals a day and thus not sleep hungry. 85% of respondents participated in community activities that made them to know more people, thus, building on social capital. This study concluded that Social cash transfers are effective and efficient in supporting households that are vulnerable and has contributed greatly towards mitigating various socioeconomic impacts associated with older persons. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be useful for policy recommendation and programming in the area of cash transfer.