By Sammy Jakaa

A huge number of old people in Kakamega are suffering, raising questions on criteria for giving assistance

Four years since the Government started funds for the elderly, residents of Matungu District, Kakamega County are yet to benefit.

The Standard revealed many elderly persons in the region are suffering in abject poverty, raising questions on the criteria the ministry has used to allocate the funds.

Joan Mwishowere, 80, a widow from Namamali sub-location, said her name was approved two years ago, but she is yet to receive anything.

Mwishowere, who is staying with two orphaned grandchildren, spends sleepless nights trying to provide for the kids who are all in school.

“We have made several trips to DC’s office but we have never gotten any answers. I was registered at Koyonzo chief’s office two years ago and my name approved but I have not seen a single cent yet,” said Mwishowere.

Elderly people aged 65 and above who are needy and not pensionable are entitled to a monthly stipend of Sh2,000 from the Government under the Cash Transfer Fund for the Elderly, but the money seems to benefit only a handful.

The programme run by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Development has an annual budget Sh3 billion to assist the elderly.

In Namulungu sub-location, only two persons are benefitting from the programme yet 11 of them had been enrolled for the funds. The elders said they are suffering in silence since government officers concerned have turned a deaf ear to them when they ask why the funds are not reaching the people.

The elders demanded a clear explanation on the matter, adding silence may mean what they have always suspected — ‘fishy business.’

“Only two old persons are receiving help from the funds in the whole of Namulungu sub-location despite 11 names being approved. What is angering us even more is that no one is ready to explain. We believe it is our constitutional right to receive the funds,” said Jenta Opwara, 85.

She lamented that they had protested at the district headquarters but were told to wait as the ministry sorted out the issue.

“What was reason of collecting our personal details if we don’t get any assistance or does the Government assist specific people,” asked Opwara.

Mumias District Gender and Social Development Officer James Kiptoon said only 23 persons benefitted in the whole of Matungu Constituency because the Government was facing financial challenges.

He said Butere Constituency had 750 beneficiaries because it was a pilot project.