Advancing social protection: Insights from East Africa's policy innovations
Exploring impacts of key social protection programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Insights from our recent Nairobi event on innovation.
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Date
October 2024
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Area of expertisePoverty and social protection (PSP)
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CountriesKenya , Tanzania , Ethiopia
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KeywordsInclusive Social Protection , Poverty
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OfficeOPM Kenya
In a significant gathering of policymakers, researchers, and development partners, the recent "Driving Innovation and Partnerships in Social Protection" event in Nairobi, Kenya, highlighted the progress made by East African nations in developing and implementing social protection programmes. The event, held on 9 October 2024, examined how policy reforms and strategic partnerships are contributing to social protection efforts across the region.
For over 15 years, we have been proud to support these efforts. Our long-standing collaboration with the Kenyan government on the Hunger Safety Net Programme (HSNP) is just one example of how effective policy can address complex challenges and drive sustainable development.
Kenya's journey in social protection serves as a testament to the power of innovation and commitment. Since 2004, the country has expanded its focus from categorical cash transfers to a comprehensive system that includes geographically and poverty-targeted unconditional cash transfers, disability grants, and cash-plus programmes. The HSNP, in particular, has demonstrated significant economic impacts through local multiplier effects, securing both political and budgetary support.
In Tanzania, our Data & Evidence to End Extreme Poverty (DEEP) programme, funded by FCDO, is strengthening evidence-based policymaking. The event highlighted how the project has supported the development of Tanzania's Vision 2050 and tested innovative approaches like evidence gap mapping and small area estimation techniques. These efforts have fostered crucial partnerships between the government, think tanks, research institutions, and development partners, enhancing the country's capacity to address poverty and build long-term resilience.
Ethiopia's experiences, shared by our Country Lead, Michael Adenew, underscore the importance of social protection during crises. The FCDO's Building Resilience in Ethiopia programme has significantly improved the country's capacity to respond to climate and humanitarian shocks. Through enhanced early warning systems, drought risk financing, and strong coordination mechanisms, Ethiopia is better equipped to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
The event also featured a panel discussion that brought together experts from various organisations, including the World Bank, FCDO, and Oxfam. The discussion emphasised the critical need to integrate social protection with climate resilience strategies, leverage technology and data for efficient service delivery, and enhance governance and public finance management.
Looking to the future, the panellists stressed the importance of addressing systemic discrimination, ensuring transparency and accountability, and integrating social protection into legal frameworks. They also highlighted opportunities in public-private partnerships and the use of technology to improve service delivery.
The diverse attendance at the event, which included representatives from FCDO, the World Bank, Oxfam, the Kenya Devolution programme, KCB Foundation, Equity Foundation, and various universities and research institutions, underscores the collaborative approach needed to drive innovation in social protection.
As we continue our work in East Africa and beyond, events like these serve as crucial platforms for sharing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and driving the innovation needed to create effective policies that can lift millions out of poverty and build more resilient societies.

Oxford Policy Management CEO, Mark Henstridge

Panellists left to right: Michael Adenew, Country Lead, OPM Ethiopia, Jeffrey Maganya - Head of Programmes, Oxfam in Africa, Panel Moderator - Fatima Osman, Deputy TL, HHMEL Programme, Naseer Khan - Social Protection Specialist, World Bank, David Kinyua - Humanitarian, Resilience and Inclusion Lead, FCDO

Regional Operations and Country Manager, Caroline Thuo

Country Director, Ethiopia, Michael Adenew

Audience at event in Kenya