Sh4b for elderly, orphans released

Some 1,094,323 beneficiaries will each get Sh4,000 for May and June.

The government has released Sh4.3 billion for the cash transfer programme meant for the vulnerable population.

Some 1,094,323 beneficiaries will each get Sh4,000 for May and June.

The funds will be paid to the Inua Jamii beneficiaries from tomorrow through the four banks – Cooperative Bank, Equity, KCB and Post Bank.

Beneficiaries include orphans and vulnerable children, the elderly and persons with severe disability.

“The money has been disbursed promptly to cushion these vulnerable groups from the negative effects of the Covid-19,” said a circular signed by Principal Secretary for Social Protection Nelson Marwa.

Extra funding

Meanwhile, the government will need an extra Sh7 billion every financial year for the elderly cash transfer programme.

This is according to John Gachigi, head of Social Assistance Unit at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

Mr Gachihi, who spoke a day after the world celebrated the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, said one the major challenges facing the initiative, is less funding.

The WEAAD is a United Nations (UN) designated day observed annually to raise awareness on the plight of affected older persons.

The first WEAAD was observed in 2012, at UN headquarters in New York. Kenya launched the marking of day on June 16, 2014, and has been celebrating it.

So far, the government has invested Sh151.6 billion since inception of the Inua Jamii programme, according to latest reports from the ministry.