The National government has been asked to pay elderly persons under the Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPTC) programme through mobile money transfer to avoid crowding in banks and so curb the spread of coronavirus.
Speaking to the press in Kisii town, Bogeka Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Charles Nyagoto said that some elderly people are weak with underlying conditions and added that they risk their health when queuing for payments at the local banks.
“The congestion witnessed outside banks and agencies make it difficult for these old people to keep social distance. This can make them contract Covid-19 or infect others,” Mr Nyagoto explained.
Nyagoto applauded the government’s efforts to empower the elderly people but urged it to ensure they access funds at the comfort of their homes.
Concerning exploitative caregivers, the MCA asked local administration to identify honest caregivers who would ensure the elderly persons receive all their funds to improve their lives.
Magenche Ward and Moticho Ward MCAs Timothy Ogugu and Evans Mokoro respectively said that elders and their caregivers travel from far off places to Kisii town to receive funds making it very expensive for the beneficiaries.
By Erastus Michieka and Harriet Sese
