NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has disbursed over KSh 4.6 billion to cover delayed payments for June and July under the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme, benefitting more than 1.1 million vulnerable Kenyans.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection said KSh 4,607,668,000 had been released to 1,151,917 older persons and persons living with severe disabilities enrolled in the programme.
Each beneficiary will receive KSh 4,000 — covering KSh 2,000 for each of the two months.
The State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs attributed the delay in the June payment to a data cleanup exercise, and apologized for the inconvenience caused.
“We recognize the critical importance of timely support to our most vulnerable populations. The delay was necessary to ensure integrity in the programme and eliminate duplicate or ineligible entries,” said Principal Secretary Joseph Motari.
The Inua Jamii cash transfer programme is a cornerstone of the government’s social protection agenda, aimed at reducing poverty among older persons aged 70 and above, persons with severe disabilities, and orphans and vulnerable children.
Beyond financial aid, the Ministry is also urging beneficiaries to register with the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) to access affordable healthcare services under the government’s universal health coverage plan.
“The government remains committed to not only cushioning vulnerable Kenyans economically but also ensuring they enjoy dignified lives through access to healthcare,” Motari added.
Payments to beneficiaries commenced Thursday, with funds expected to be credited to beneficiaries’ accounts in the coming days.
The Inua Jamii initiative has been credited with helping millions of Kenyans meet basic needs and reduce dependency, especially in rural and underserved communities.
