The government has disbursed Sh46 million for the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer programme in Murang’a South Sub County and an additional Sh800,000 has been released to People Living with Severe Disability.
The Murang’a South Sub County Social Development Officer, Ruth Gichuki confirmed that 5,750 older persons and another 100 people are each slated to receive Sh8,000. The money will cater for four months.
“The older persons and those with severe disabilities will each receive Sh. 8,000 which will cover the months of March, April, May and June,” she added.
Beneficiaries of Inua Jamii Cash Transfer programme in Murang’a County have narrated how the money has eased their financial burdens and helped them to meet their daily expenses.
A section of the aged people who spoke to KNA in Murang’a South Sub County said that the monthly stipend they receive from the government have relieved them from life pressures and also lifted a huge burden off their caregivers as they can now use their own money to purchase drugs and food essentials.
A 75-year-old Peter Kiragu Mwaura from Muruka area revealed that for the past three years he has been able to buy prescribed medication without relying on anyone for the drugs. “I visit the hospital every month and this money comes in handy when buying drugs,” he noted, adding that he has also managed to purchase two goats that give him milk, thus improving on his ailing health.
Another beneficiary, Mary Nyambura Kuria, 77, from Kagaa while expressing her gratitude to the government for the initiative divulged that she has bought two goats and several chickens and she is able to attend clinics since she is asthmatic and on drugs most of the time.
“Thanks to this initiative, I am currently able to attend my monthly clinics and purchase food supplies for the house,” she noted, while beaming with joy.
Undoubtedly, for most of the beneficiaries, the little amount they receive helps in sourcing for drug supplies and buying special foods, thus easing their caregivers’ burdens.
Michael Kimani from Kagaa also reveals that his elderly parents have greatly benefited from the Inua Jamii initiative since its inception.
“My parents, Julius Kinyanjui, 90 and Lucy Wanjiru, 80 are both sickly and for one of them being on constant supply of oxygen has caused a huge financial burden on the family. The amount comes in handy to take care of them,” he added.
The Inua Jamii program is a government’s initiative under the ministry of Labour and social protection whose objective is to uplift the lives of poor and vulnerable citizens of Kenya through regular Cash Transfers.
The social development officer also disclosed that the programme has been very instrumental in uplifting the lives of the older persons and those with severe disabilities as most are sickly and require drugs from time to time.
Lilian Wanja, 80, from Makuyu noted that the money she receives is enough to buy drugs and other basic necessities for her child who is epileptic.
She thanked the government for cushioning older persons like herself from life’s challenges, even as she called for regular disbursement of the funds.
By Florence Kinyua
