Community Participation in Targeting Elderly Beneficiaries of Cash Transfer Programmes in Konoin Sub-County, Kenya

Sheila Sempeyo, Peter Gutwa Oino & Anne Chepkirui
School of Arts and Social Sciences
Department of Sociology, Gender and Development Studies
Kisii University
Email: sheilasempeyo@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examined the role of community participation in the identification and targeting of elderly beneficiaries under the Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) programme in Konoin Sub-County, Bomet County, Kenya. Guided by Participatory Communication Theory, Principal–Agent Theory, and Empowerment Theory, the study explored how local actors, social knowledge, and inclusive processes shape targeting accuracy, legitimacy, and empowerment outcomes. A descriptive cross-sectional design employing a mixed-methods approach was adopted. Data were collected from 45 elderly beneficiaries and 15 key informants using structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings reveal that village elders and community committees played a central role in beneficiary identification and verification, with public barazas, household visits, and community referrals serving as key participatory channels. Approximately 75% of respondents reported improved identification of the most vulnerable elderly, 69% indicated reduced exclusion errors, and 80% perceived the targeting process as fair and trustworthy. However, 24% of respondents expressed concerns regarding favoritism or exclusion, particularly affecting socially isolated or less vocal elderly persons. It is evident that while participatory targeting enhances transparency, legitimacy, and social empowerment, its effectiveness depends on the structure, oversight, and inclusivity of participatory mechanisms. The study concludes that community participation is pivotal yet inherently nuanced, requiring deliberate institutional support to ensure equitable outcomes. It recommends strengthening capacity-building for community actors, integrating local knowledge with formal verification systems, and institutionalizing monitoring and accountability in promoting inclusive participation of marginalized elderly groups for effective cash transfer programmes.