House proposes Sh2,000 handout for poor elderly

Parliament wants the poor elderly to be given a monthly handout to help them through retirement, under a proposed State-funded social welfare scheme.

MPs debated a Motion that could see the country’s estimated 1.8 million aged over 60 years receive Sh2,000 monthly starting July 1, next year.

The Government would be required to set aside Sh3.6 billion every month to roll out the scheme, if the Motion sponsored by Gwassi MP John Mbadi is approved.

Currently, it has allocated Sh530 million for a pilot cash transfer project in which those over 65 years in 44 selected districts receive Sh1,500 every month.

MPs concluded debate but a vote for it to pass the second reading was postponed to next week when Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta would give the Government’s response.

Yesterday MPs questioned the criteria used to identify the benefiting regions in the pilot scheme. But Gender Minister Naomi Shaban defended the programme, citing inadequate funds. "We have asked that Treasury in the next financial year doubles the amount from Sh530 million to slightly more than Sh1 billion to improve coverage," said Dr Shaban.

reasonable care

Mr Mbadi said majority of about 1.8 million people aged over 60 are poor and cannot support themselves and the monthly handout would enable them to live in "dignity and respect."

The scheme, however, would not benefit those either in receipt of a pension or benefit from any organisation or State agency.

The Constitution, he added, requires that the elderly receive reasonable care and assistance from their family and State.

Seconding the motion Lari MP David Njuguna said the high cost of living had put food, healthcare and shelter beyond many households and forced some elderly to beg on the streets.

Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu said the motion targets those who did not have formal employment and hence had no savings to fall back on in old age. Defence Minister Yusuf Hajji said the high cost of living had killed the African tradition to look after the vulnerable in society.

Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba said: "The HIV/Aids scourge has forced a majority of grand parents to look after orphaned children. The high cost of living is a burden to such households."

Nominated MP Millie Odhiambo challenged the implementation committee to ensure the executive implements motions passed by the House.

Forestry Minister Noah Wekesa, Assistant Minister Margaret Kamar, Kandara MP Maina Kamau and nominated MP Maishomo Leshomo supported the motion.

Reports by Alex Ndegwa