Gov't releases Sh3.5 billion to Inua Jamii beneficiaries
According to the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, payments have already begun, with each recipient set to receive Sh2,000 for the month of May.
The government has disbursed Sh3.5 billion to 1,759,656 beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii Programme.
According to the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, payments have already begun, with each recipient set to receive Sh2,000 for the month of May.
Principal Secretary Joseph Motari described the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme as a vital part of the government’s social protection efforts.
The initiative targets poverty reduction and supports the most vulnerable groups in society, including elderly persons aged 70 and above, orphans and vulnerable children, as well as individuals with severe disabilities.
To improve service delivery, the government is shifting Inua Jamii payments from traditional bank accounts to M-Pesa agents through the E-Citizen platform.
This change aims to make disbursements more accessible, quicker, and convenient by leveraging the extensive network of M-Pesa agents.
The pilot phase of the program began in November 2024 in Murang’a and Marsabit counties. Beneficiaries can access their funds through the M-Pesa platform via E-Citizen by dialing *222#.
Recipients or their caregivers can visit any M-Pesa agent with a national ID to withdraw the full amount without incurring transaction fees, or they may choose to transfer the money to their M-Pesa wallets for more flexible use.
The State Department for Social Protection confirmed that efforts are underway to streamline the program and expand its reach.
Inua Jamii is coordinated nationally under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (MLSP) and the Ministry of Devolution and ASAL (MoDA).
Implementation relies heavily on local County and Sub-County staff, supported by a network of Beneficiary Welfare Committees (BWCs) in each area.
Local administrators, including Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, and community members, provide additional backing.
Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs serve as ‘Inua Jamii ambassadors’ and key information providers for beneficiaries and caregivers, frequently organizing ‘Barazas’ to share updates about the cash transfer program.
Beneficiaries of the Inua Jamii cash transfer are selected through a fair and transparent process.
