2,500 targeted for Inua Jami listing in Tetu constituency

The government hopes to register more than 2,500 people into the Inua Jami programme in Tetu constituency, Nyeri County.

Area MP Geoffrey Wandeto said: “My constituency has many vulnerable families who really need help, especially those battling illnesses. Currently, 3,500 residents of Tetu are in the programme but we want to push the number up by registering another 2,500 people.”

Wandeto said that the government is committed to ensuring there will be no delay in the disbursement of the funds.

“The government has made it clear that there will no longer be delays in the release of the Inua Jami funds as was the case in the past. We encourage the elderly, orphans and people with disabilities to take advantage and register,” he said.

On Sunday, elderly persons and those living with disabilities turned up in large numbers to register for Inua Jamii cash transfer programme in the constituency.

Inua Jamii is a government initiative meant to provide monthly stipends of Sh2,000 to vulnerable citizens, including orphans and vulnerable children, older persons, and support to care for those with severe disabilities while cushioning them from the extreme effects of poverty.

The government's safety net programme has garnered a lot of attention as it opens its doors for enrollment of orphans, vulnerable children, older persons, and individuals with severe disabilities. The programme targets the elderly who are over 70 years.

Under the new phase of registration, the government seeks to register at least five hundred thousand new members into the cash transfer programme.

Mary Wanjiru, 83, is among those who braved the early morning cold during the launch of the registration in Tetu, Nyeri County.

Wanjiru was accompanied by her daughter Jane Wangui who said, she was optimistic that the programme would have a positive impact on their lives. She said they would use part of the money to seek treatment for her mother who has been unwell for the last seven years.

“When I learnt that there would be registration of new members to the programme, I decided to come. I’m the only child in our family and taking care of my mother has been very challenging,” said Wangui.

Wangui said she has no source of income and depends on casual jobs to take care of her mother.

“Since my mother fell sick, things have never been the same. I don’t have a job and paying for her medicine has really drained me financially. In addition to medicine, food and clothing, she also needs adult diapers which are very expensive,” she said.

She added that the programme will be a relief to her and her family as the money will help cater for her mother’s medical expenses.

“This is a very good initiative by the government, to help the vulnerable in society. It will help reduce the burden on families," she said.

Douglas Ndiritu, 54, got grounded after he was involved in an accident six years ago. He was a boda boda rider but could not continue after the accident.

"After the accident, I lost my leg and arm. I cannot work anymore. I only depend on my wife's little income and help from my friends. This programme will change my life. The money will help cater for my medical expenses," said Ndiritu.