More than 1.1 million vulnerable Kenyans have begun receiving financial support as the government released over Ksh4.6 billion under the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme.
The funds will benefit older persons and people living with severe disabilities, helping them meet basic needs like food and medication.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, through the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, confirmed that the payments cover two months, June and July 2025, with each person receiving Ksh 4,000 in total. Disbursement started today across the country.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 7, Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs, Joseph Motari, explained the scale and intention of the funding
“Ksh. Four Billion, Six Hundred and Seven Million, Six Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand (4,607,668,000) for payment to 1,151,917 Older Persons and Persons Living With Severe Disabilities enrolled in the Inua Jamii Program,” he said.
This means each eligible Kenyan under the programme will receive Ksh 2,000 for each of the two months.
The PS acknowledged that there had been a delay in releasing the June payment. He explained that this was because the department had been conducting a verification exercise to clean up its database.
The goal was to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries receive the support.
“The June cycle payment had been delayed due to a data cleanup exercise. The State Department apologizes to beneficiaries for any inconvenience caused by the delay.”
This process is part of the government’s continued efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in the programme.
He further emphasised that the Inua Jamii initiative is not just about giving out money. It is designed to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for some of the country’s most disadvantaged citizens.
“The Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme aims to alleviate poverty and promote the well-being of society’s most vulnerable members.”
Motari added that these stipends are often the only steady income for many of the beneficiaries.
“These payments are a lifeline for many households. They allow beneficiaries to meet basic needs like food, healthcare, and shelter,” he said.
The Ministry has pledged to make future payments on time and improve how the programme is run to ensure no deserving person is left out.
In addition to the cash support, the Ministry is encouraging beneficiaries to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
This move aims to ensure they can access affordable healthcare services as part of the government’s broader push for universal health coverage.
“In line with the government’s commitment to ensuring universal health coverage, the Ministry encourages all Inua Jamii beneficiaries to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access affordable and quality healthcare.”
This call is in response to the fact that many people in the programme also struggle to pay for medical treatment. By linking them with the SHA, the government hopes to improve their overall well-being, not just their income.
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