State releases Sh1 billion funds to assist elderly

The vulnerable elderly persons have a reason to smile after the Government released Sh1 billion towards easing their financial burden.

Labour Cabinet Secretary Kazungu Kambi said each beneficiary would in the first installment receive Sh10,000 accumulated over five months.

Kambi was speaking in Mathare Constituency where 333 residents from the area and Starehe benefited from the Cash Transfer Progamme.

The money was increased from the previous Sh1,500. The beneficiaries are part of the 105,000 new members who will be receiving their money from tomorrow at their respective pay points at the Postal Corporation of Kenya.

"A total of 99,966 verified older persons will have received their money throughout the country within 10 working days from Thursday. The remaining 5,034 will be paid along with beneficiaries targeted earlier, in due course, once verification is complete," assured Kambi.

The money only targets poor and vulnerable individuals of 65 years and over, with no source of income.

The total number of the beneficiaries has now increased to 269,000 and there are plans to enroll an additional 46,000 by the next financial year. Kambi said his ministry would propose for an increment on the monthly payment, but depending on the state of the economy. Nairobi, Kiambu and Kakamega counties received the largest share of the fund, each pocketing over Sh40 million.