For thousands of Kenyans struggling with poverty, disability, disasters or economic hardship, a wider door to government support has now been opened, promising not just monthly cash assistance but also food, counselling and other vital services under a reformed social protection system.

This follows the enactment of the Social Protection Bill 2025, which replaces the Social Assistance Act and introduces a more inclusive structure aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals throughout different stages of life.

The Bill, passed by the National Assembly in April and approved by the Senate without changes on July 23, was signed into law by President William Ruto on Wednesday at State House, Nairobi.

Under the new framework, the government will roll out monthly stipends to a broader range of beneficiaries, including not only the elderly, orphans, and persons with severe disabilities, but also those affected by job loss, pandemics, disasters, or extreme poverty.

A key part of the law is the creation of a National Board for Social Protection, which will oversee registration, coordination, and delivery of both cash and non-cash benefits.

The law also establishes a fully digital registration system that allows Kenyans to apply online, scrapping the old process that relied on physical visits to Huduma Centres and other government offices.

To support effective targeting and service delivery, a central digital registry will be used to track vulnerable households and monitor responses during shocks or emergencies.

Beyond monetary support, the new law expands social protection to include non-cash interventions such as food aid, foster care services, medical attention, and psychological counselling, marking a shift toward a more comprehensive approach to social welfare.

The Act mandates the Cabinet Secretary for Labour to set up a Social Protection Fund under the Public Finance Management Act. The fund will be jointly financed by the national and county governments and will serve as the primary source of funding for social protection programs.

Counties are expected to take an active role by developing local strategies aligned with national policy, while also contributing resources to the fund.

The law also ensures that those in emergency situations—including non-citizens—can receive support when needed. It provides clear appeal processes for anyone dissatisfied with registration or service delivery decisions