The government has announced a new delivery mechanism for the Inua Jamii programme, which provides cash transfers to the most vulnerable members of the society.
Starting from this month, the beneficiaries will receive their monthly stipends through the Mpesa platform, instead of going to the bank.
This is in line with the presidential directive issued during last year's Jamhuri day celebration, where President William Ruto said the shift of service would save the beneficiaries from the hassle of long distances, costs and inconveniences to access the cash.
"This programme has had challenges with the beneficiaries travelling long distances and spending considerable portions of their stipend on logistics. Working with Safaricom, we have structured a new delivery mechanism for beneficiaries to receive their stipends from Mpesa agents in their localities," Ruto said.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary, Florence Bore, said the new system would also streamline the programme and increase coverage and accountability.
She urged those who are not registered to enroll for the service as soon as possible.
"Following the presidential directive, Inua Jamii beneficiaries will be receiving their stipends through Mpesa platform. Orphans and Vulnerable Children beneficiaries Cash Transfer (OVC-CT) and Persons with Severe Disabilities beneficiaries Cash Transfer (PwSD-CT) caregivers are required to enroll for Mpesa payments by dialing *222# using their registered Mpesa phone numbers. The first phase of Mpesa payments commences for OVC-CT and PwSD-CT. Older Persons Cash Transfer (OP-CT) beneficiaries will continue to receive their funds through their bank accounts as usual," she said in a statement on January 2.
The CS also announced the release of Sh2, 089,844,000 for payment to 1,044,922 Inua Jamii beneficiaries for December 2023.
Each beneficiary will receive Sh2, 000, which will be deposited in their accounts from Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
In addition, Sh5, 930, 000 was disbursed for Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE), which is a complimentary programme.
The Inua Jamii programme is a government initiative that supports the most vulnerable members of the community by providing them with a stipend to cushion them from poverty, hunger and improve their lives.
