Murang’a politicians have asked the government to review the elderly cash transfer programme register saying the ones in use have become outdated.
Kangema Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kihungi and Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, who were speaking at Kihoya in Kangema constituency, pointed out that the programme’s records have not been updated since its inception.
Maina noted that over the years, some of the pioneer beneficiaries had passed away while many other senior citizens had become eligible beneficiaries and they were yet to be included in the programme.
“The list has remained the same since 2019 even though some of the members have since died so their names should no longer be on the list while many other elderly members of the society have become eligible,” she said,
She stated that the list needs to be cleaned up so as to benefit all deserving senior citizens.
On his part, Kihungi said it was important to consider the current financial status of the elderly instead of just their past.
“Some may have been teachers who had even built considerably nice houses but they are now in need of financial help in their old age,” he said.
Kihungi noted that members of society may look like they are well off based on their history but they are indeed suffering.
The law makers, who were conducting a food distribution exercise, also called on the officials leading the programme that targets Kenyans above the age of 70 years to consider an easier mode of payment instead of subjecting the elderly to long queues in banks.
By Purity Mugo
