The government will not hesitate to take stern action against corrupt government officials who will be caught demanding bribes during the country-wide registration of elderly person set to begin next week.
Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore has said many elderly people have been missing out on registration since they can’t afford to bribe government officials including chiefs and their assistants who spearhead the exercise.
Speaking during a food distribution exercise to over 6, 000 vulnerable persons in Thika town Thursday, the CS said the government has been categorical and will ensure that all elderly persons, people with severe disabilities and total orphans must be registered afresh and that will be receiving Sh2,000 monthly stipend.
She said starting September 1, the exercise to register 500,000 will be rolled out and will go on for only one month.
The CS called on all elderly people aged 70 years and above to come out and register saying next year, other 700,000 old people will be added.
“We shall conduct a mop up exercise to not leave anyone out. Any government official who will be caught asking for a bribe to have an elderly person registered will be dealt with ruthlessly, ” said the CS.
She was accompanied by Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, who is also the National Assembly Social Protection Committee Chair.
Ng’ang’a said MPs and MCAs will spearhead the exercise in their respective areas in collaboration with social protection ministry officials and national government administrative officers.
“We shall be keen you visit all homes with elderly people and ensure they don’t miss out on the exercise,” she said.
The Thika legislator also assured that the government will roll out a home-based care programme for the elderly where clinical officers will be visiting them and checking their health status.
She called on young single mothers to form groups to benefit from government empowerment programmes.
She added that the foodstuffs, blankets and mattresses given to them will go a long way to provide care and protection to orphaned and neglected children in Thika.
By Muoki Charles
