Social Protection For Urban Vulnerabilities Training Course

Introduction

Rapid urbanization in Nairobi, Kenya, and across Africa has brought forth a new frontier of complex challenges, with burgeoning Urban Vulnerabilities and deepening inequality, particularly within Informal Settlements. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip policymakers, urban planners, social protection practitioners, municipal authorities, and humanitarian actors with the specialized knowledge and innovative strategies required to effectively address poverty and inequality in urban settings. Participants will gain a robust understanding of urban poverty dynamics, tailored social safety nets, integrated service delivery, shock responsiveness in cities, and inclusive governance models, enabling them to design programs that genuinely reach and empower the urban poor. Our comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on application, best practices, and real-world case studies pertinent to the dynamic urban landscape in Nairobi, Kenya, empowering you to build more resilient and equitable cities.

This urban poverty social protection course is crucial for individuals and organizations in Kenya striving to bridge the gap between rural-focused social protection and the distinct needs of urban populations, including addressing the unique challenges faced by residents of informal settlements. Mastering urban social safety nets, implementing integrated urban development strategies, and understanding shock-responsive social protection in cities are indispensable for mitigating the impacts of economic shocks, climate change, and forced evictions in urban contexts. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in social protection in urban areas and inclusive urban planning, positioning your organization at the forefront of sustainable urban development and driving significant human progress across the region.

Target Audience

• Urban Planners & Municipal Authorities
• Social Protection Policy Makers
• Local Government Officials
• Humanitarian Actors in Urban Settings
• Development Program Managers (NGOs & UN Agencies)
• Community Leaders in Informal Settlements
• Researchers in Urban Studies & Social Policy

Course Objectives

• Understand the unique characteristics and drivers of urban poverty and inequality.
• Learn about the specific vulnerabilities of populations in informal urban settlements.
• Master principles for designing social protection programs tailored to urban contexts.
• Develop proficiency in identifying and reaching hard-to-reach urban beneficiaries.
• Explore integrated service delivery models for health, education, and livelihoods in urban areas.
• Understand how to adapt social protection to respond to urban shocks (e.g., evictions, pandemics).
• Learn about innovative data collection and mapping techniques for urban vulnerable populations.
• Identify legal and policy frameworks for urban social protection and tenure security.
• Develop effective multi-stakeholder coordination mechanisms in complex urban environments.
• Explore financing mechanisms for sustainable urban social protection programs.
• Understand the role of community participation and empowerment in urban social protection.
• Drive the implementation of inclusive and equitable social protection for urban populations.
• Position yourself as an expert in addressing urban vulnerabilities through social protection.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Dynamics of Urban Poverty and Vulnerability module

• Characteristics of urban poverty: consumption vs. income, multi-dimensional deprivation
• Specific vulnerabilities in informal settlements: precarious housing, limited services, shocks
• The rural-urban divide in social protection coverage and challenges
• Impact of rapid urbanization, migration, and climate change on urban poverty
• Case studies of urban vulnerability in Nairobi, Kenya

Tailoring Social Protection to Urban Contexts module

• Adapting traditional social protection instruments for urban settings (e.g., cash transfers, public works)
• Designing context-specific eligibility criteria and targeting mechanisms
• Addressing the high cost of living in urban areas in benefit levels
• The role of local governments in urban social protection delivery
• Examples of successful urban social protection programs

Integrated Service Delivery and Urban Linkages module

• Linking social protection with essential urban services (WASH, housing, transport, waste management)
• Co-locating services and creating one-stop shops for beneficiaries
• Referral pathways to health, education, and livelihood support in cities
• Urban planning and infrastructure development sensitive to social protection needs
• Multi-sectoral collaboration models in urban contexts

Shock-Responsive Social Protection in Urban Areas module

• Understanding urban shocks: forced evictions, fires, disease outbreaks, economic downturns
• Adapting social protection programs for rapid urban emergency response
• Leveraging urban administrative data and mapping for crisis response
• Pre-arranged financing for urban shock response
• Case studies of urban shock-responsive social protection

Data, Digital Solutions and Targeting in Urban Settings module

• Challenges of identifying and registering beneficiaries in fluid urban environments
• Innovative data collection: satellite imagery, mobile data, big data for urban mapping
• Digital payment systems for efficient and secure urban transfers
• Leveraging technology for urban targeting and monitoring
• Addressing digital exclusion and ensuring access for all urban vulnerable groups

Informal Settlements and Urban Resilience module

• Social protection as a tool for enhancing resilience in informal settlements
• Linking social transfers to tenure security and participatory upgrading initiatives
• Addressing protection risks (e.g., gender-based violence, crime) in informal settlements
• Community-led approaches to resilience building and social cohesion
• Advocating for rights-based approaches in urban development

Governance, Policy and Financing Urban Social Protection module

• Legal and policy frameworks for urban social protection in Kenya
• Role of municipal authorities, national government, and civil society in urban social protection
• Financing mechanisms for urban social protection programs
• Building political will and public support for urban social safety nets
• Lessons learned from global efforts in urban social protection

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre.

We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.