The number of orphans and vulnerable children has continued to grow in sub-Saharan Africa
due to Human Immune-Deficiency Virus and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome, war,
conflicts and other natural disasters. There are several OVC programmes that target OVC in
order to provide support and care. This paper reviews the targeting procedures used for
OVC beneficiary households in Kisumu County, Kenya. An evaluative and Survey research
designs were used to collect data through questionnaires, focus group discussions and Key
informant interviews from 384 caregivers and 6 key informants. The study found that both
the government and NGO programmes had a targeting criteria and involved local leaders.
However, the NGO did not involve community members In targeting and validation of
beneficiary households. The study found there were ineligible households enrolled on the
programmes ranging from 25.5% to 60.5% and exclusion of deserving households ranging
from 81.8% to 96.4% respectively. The study recommends that a policy on management of
programmes should make instruments of community targeting mandatory.