The National Government funding for the Cash Transfer Program targeting Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) and those with severe disabilities in Kisumu have been overstretched.
Already, 12,446 households are receiving Sh. 8,000 each translating to Sh. 99,568,000 disbursed in Kisumu County this financial year but local residents have urged the government to increase the support.
The Kisumu County Director of Children Services, Humphrey Wandeo, said payment for all beneficiaries commenced on November 18, 2019 and will continue.
Speaking to KNA on Monday, Wandeo said the Department is currently processing the Presidential Bursary Funds aimed at supporting OVCs and children with severe disabilities in secondary schools.
He revealed that Sh. 4,873,400 has been disbursed to seven Sub-counties of: Kisumu Central, Kisumu East, Kisumu West, Seme, Nyando, Nyakach and Muhoroni this financial year.
The Director observed that the finances were still insufficient and so supported the views by various stakeholders who appealed to the government to consider increasing the funding.
On persistent floods in various parts of the country, especially in Nyando, Wandeo said that some of the beneficiaries have been marooned in their homes and so could not be easily reached.
“Although schools are closed, we are concerned that the OVCs and beneficiaries of the Presidential Bursary suffered the impact of the raging floods going by the reports received from the Sub-counties,” he said.
The County Director cautioned that they could also suffer from waterborne diseases unless those charged with rescue operations move fast not only to locate them but also to have the survivors moved to higher grounds and provided with necessary drugs and food supplies.
Wandeo further expressed concern for those already staying in camps where the conditions may not be conducive not only in terms of security but also health-wise and privacy.
By Joseph Ouma/ Fredrick Ajok
