The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, has announced the disbursement of funds for the January payment to beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii programme, alongside the Nutrition Improvement through Cash and Health Education (NICHE) programme.
Speaking at the event, State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Principal Secretary (PS), Joseph Motari, stated that a total of Sh. 2,089,844,000, was released for Inua Jamii beneficiaries, and Sh. 5,930,000 for NICHE beneficiaries.
“The payment, slated to begin today 7th February 2024, follows a Presidential Directive to facilitate stipend disbursements through M-pesa,” said Motari.
The PS disclosed that the targets of this initiative through Cash Transfers are Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) and Caregivers of Persons with Severe Disabilities (PWSD).
To enrol for M-pesa payment, he posited, caregivers are required to dial *222# using their registered M-pesa phone numbers.
According to Motari, there are currently 207,000 beneficiaries enrolled for M-pesa payments, who have already received their December stipends. However, approximately 100,000 beneficiaries are yet to enrol through *222#.
“These beneficiaries will receive their payments through bank accounts for the last time this month and are urged to enroll for M-pesa payments, to ensure continued receipt of Inua Jamii stipends,” he reiterated.
The Ministry emphasizes that caregivers for CT-OVC and PWSD must register for M-pesa payments to avoid disruption in stipend disbursements which are meant to cushion them from poverty, hunger and improve their lives.
By Peace Maziga and Elvis Ngaruiya
