Employment Status and Gender Disparities in Distribution of Older Persons’ Cash-Transfer Programme Funds in Buuri Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya

Mbijiwe Nteere Murithi, Urbanus Mwinzi Ndolo and Joram Kiarie Njuguna
Department of Social Sciences, Kenya
Tharaka University
Email: nteeremurithi@gmail.com

Abstract: This paper examined how the employment status of male and female beneficiaries influenced the distribution of Older Persons Cash Transfer Programme (OPCTP) funds in Buuri Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. It was derived from the fourth objective of a broader study on socioeconomic gender disparities and cash transfer distribution among older persons. The study adopted descriptive and causal-comparative research designs. The population comprised 6,404 individuals: 3,200 OPCTP beneficiaries, 3,200 relatives of beneficiaries and four OPCTP officers. A sample of 376 respondents was selected using Slovin’s formula and proportionate, purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedules. Quantitative data were analysed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations and Pearson Chi-square tests at the 0.05 significance level, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Female beneficiaries recorded higher mean scores than males across all six employment indicators. The means for lack of formal employment were 4.09 for females and 3.26 for males; unemployment or underemployment, 4.21 and 3.46; informal or low-income employment, 4.03 and 3.38; retirement or forced early retirement, 4.12 and 3.26; limited re-employment or career advancement, 4.26 and 3.42; and caregiving responsibilities, 4.35 and 3.37, respectively. The overall Pearson Chi-square was statistically significant, χ²(2) = 85.697, p < 0.001, leading to rejection of H04. The findings show that employment-related disadvantage accumulates across the life course and contributes to gender disparities in OPCTP distribution. The paper recommends gender-responsive targeting, stronger retirement and savings protection, and interventions addressing the long-term economic effects of informal employment and unpaid caregiving.