Kenya's Inua Jamii cash transfer program, a Government initiative aimed at supporting the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, is urging beneficiaries to withdraw any unclaimed funds by March 15, 2025. Mr Joseph Motari CBS, Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, has warned that any funds left unclaimed after this deadline will be reclaimed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
This deadline extension follows the Government's recent transition of Inua Jamii payments from traditional bank channels to the e-Citizen mobile payment platform in November 2024. This move allows beneficiaries to receive their stipends directly to their mobile phones via e-Citizen platform to M-Pesa, streamlining the process and increasing accessibility, particularly for individuals in rural or remote areas.
During an interview on KBC’s #The Shift with Regina Manyara, Motari emphasized that all unclaimed funds must be withdrawn by March 15. After this date, the Ministry will consider those funds as unaccounted for, and individuals will be marked as ineligible.
Motari also provided insight into the progress made since the current administration took over. He explained that the Inua Jamii program had encountered significant challenges under the previous Government, including Ksh 16.7 billion in arrears and payments being made to approximately 194,000 deceased individuals.
"Upon assuming office, we partnered with the EACC (Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission) to investigate and address these systemic issues," Motari said. "We uncovered widespread fraud, where deceased people were still receiving payments. We cleared the arrears in two phases, which helped restore the program's credibility."
Since then, the government has streamlined the program, with over 1.76 million beneficiaries now receiving support. Motari also mentioned plans to increase coverage to 2.5 million by 2027.
Motari reassured senior citizens who may still be facing challenges with the new M-Pesa payment system that their funds remain secure for the next three months. Addressing concerns about 7-digit IDs, which had caused confusion for some elderly beneficiaries, he clarified that no one had been denied access to their funds.
"No one has been denied money because of 7-digit IDs. Our team is looking into the issue, and I encourage anyone facing difficulties to visit the nearest M-Pesa agent for assistance," he said.
Motari highlighted the program’s positive impact, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, calling it a "superhero initiative" that has made a substantial difference in the lives of Kenya’s most vulnerable populations. He emphasized that the Inua Jamii program is built to be sustainable, stating, "Every Government must take care of its people, and this program is crucial for supporting those who need it most."
Regarding the possibility of increasing the monthly stipend of Ksh 2,000, Motari acknowledged the challenge of tax evasion but noted that any potential increase would depend on the country's revenue collection and the Government's ability to manage tax compliance. "It’s something we’re considering, but it will depend on the resources available," he added.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection works closely with the Ministry of Interior to ensure beneficiaries are tracked accurately at the sub-county level, with monthly reports submitted to remove deceased individuals from the program. Additionally, the Ministry operates a toll-free helpline (1533) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for beneficiaries needing assistance.
The Inua Jamii program is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce vulnerability among its citizens. It targets elderly individuals above 70 years, households with orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), and those with severe disabilities, providing crucial financial support to improve their quality of life.
With continued improvements to the payment system and ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity of the program, the Government is committed to supporting Kenya’s most vulnerable citizens for years to come.
By: Selly Muhonja