Makueni County Social Protection Policy 2022

Abstract

Social protection is an investment that contributes to inclusive economic development and promotes pro-poor growth while directly reducing poverty. It not only tackles income insecurity and poverty but also provides an effective, tangible and direct means to enhance human development objectives including better outcomes in: nutrition, education, gender-equality, equity and, health. Social protection also cushions persons who are vulnerable to climate-related shocks or other natural and man-induced disasters. Social Protection is anchored on various legislative provisions that speak to various fundamental human rights and privileges. Key amongst these is the United Nations Human Rights Charter (1948) that provides in Article 22 that “everyone, as a member of society, has a right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international cooperation and in accordance with the resources of each state”. Article 25 further states that “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and wellbeing of himself and his family...” The ILO Conventions and Recommendations also provide other bases for Social Protection. Various Goals under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also articulate Social Protection as a key component in achieving sustainable development. For instance, Target 1.3 under SDG 1 on ending poverty in all its forms everywhere states that, “by 2030 nations will implement appropriate social protection measures for all to achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable based on gender sensitive development strategies”. Other goals also speak to issues of reducing inequality, building resilience of poor and vulnerable together with addressing issues of decent work. Regionally in Africa, the African Union Social Policy Framework (2008) commits governments to progressively realize a minimum package of basic social protection that covers essential health care and benefits for children, informal workers, the unemployed, the elderly and persons with disability.