The National Government through the department of social services has disbursed Sh135.8 million to vulnerable groups in Nyamira County to improve their living standards.
Nyamira South Sub County Social development officer, Mr. Nicholas Rioki confirmed to KNA that 16,927 beneficiaries were receiving the four months’ cash stipends through various contracted banks of their choice within the county.
“The disbursed cash will benefit 13,237 elderly people, 3,267 orphans and vulnerable children, and 468 people with disabilities in Nyamira County. This programme has helped these vulnerable groups a great deal because the current tough economic times has equally affected even those with constant sources of income as they strive to meet their myriad economic needs,” he added.
Mr. Rioki urged the beneficiaries’ caregivers to guide them well in order to use the money for intended purposes particularly balanced diet and medical care.
He however raised concerns about theft of beneficiaries’ money by crude household members who steal their ATM cards and withdraw their money regretting that due to their advanced age and related challenges, most beneficiaries keep their ATM cards and their pin numbers together exposing themselves to risks of being robbed by greedy kin.
Rioki further advised beneficiaries to withdraw money from nearby bank agents if their respective banks have that provision instead of travelling long distances for the same services.
He further clarified that the government had not authorized up-scaling of beneficiaries and that’s why their office was not registering new beneficiaries even if they had met the required conditions.
He thus warned residents of dubious people conning unsuspecting vulnerable residents by impersonating as officers from the department.
“The gang is demanding for money from unsuspecting vulnerable households deceiving them that they will ensure they are registered to start benefiting from the government’s cash transfer programme. Report such cases to the nearest administration office or police to ensure such swindlers are arrested and charged before a court of law,” the Social Development Officer advised.
By Deborah Bochere
