Elderly persons aged 70 and above in Kajiado County have been urged to register for the Inua Jamii cash transfer program.
Kajiado County Commissioner Jude Wasonga noted that fresh registration targeting over 500,000 beneficiaries countrywide had commenced and urged those who had attained the required age to avail themselves for registration at the Social Services offices so as not to be left out.
Speaking in Kajiado town, when he launched the registration exercise, the County Commissioner said the exercise which will continue for a period of one month targets all persons aged 70 and above and are not receiving pension.
“All persons aged 70 and above who are not receiving pension qualify for the Inua Jamii funds. I urge them to avail themselves of the ongoing registration process at all the sub-county offices,” said Wasonga.
County Social Development Officer Jimmy Njau revealed that Inua Jamii Funds also targets Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) and persons living with severe disabilities.
Njau said the aim of the Inua Jamii Programme was to uplift the lives of the poor and vulnerable citizens through monthly cash transfers.
The officer said the fresh registration process aims to fill the gaps brought about by natural attrition and the graduation of orphans who had attained the age of 23.
He further revealed that there were 6,980 older persons, 3,173 orphaned and vulnerable children and 369 persons with severe disabilities currently registered with the program in Kajiado county.
“The registration will ensure that all persons who have attained 70 years and above will benefit from the funds aimed at cushioning them from poverty,” he added.
The officer advised the elderly persons to ensure that the persons they select as caregivers are trustworthy and well-known to them.
Beatrice Lekanet, 74, said the exercise was timely as the funds will enable her to provide for her grandchildren who are under her care.
Lekanet thanked the government for remembering the elderly persons, adding that they face a lot of challenges in society and the funds will enable them to live a dignified life.
“I am happy that I will now be able to register for the cash transfer program. I have two grandchildren under my care and the funds will enable me to provide food for them.” She said.
Joseph Ntiaiti,82, welcomed the fresh registration exercise saying that he had not benefited from the funds in the past as he had not registered himself for the programme.
He said the cash he expects to receive will enable him to buy medication to manage his diabetes and hypertension.
The Inua Jamii National Safety Net Programme currently benefits about 1,233,129 Kenyans, among them 353,000 orphans and vulnerable children, 833,129 elderly citizens, and 47,000 persons with severe disabilities.
The government is targeting to enroll 500,000 new beneficiaries in the ongoing registration process countrywide.
By Rop Janet
