The process of recruiting additional beneficiaries to the government’s Inua Jamii Safety Net program attracted more than 300 in different categories during its launch at Kerugoya Stadium in Kirinyaga Central.
They included those who are already benefiting from the program and new members set to receive cash from the government as a way of cushioning all citizens and honoring senior citizens.
The registration which will run up to 15th September will add more elderly people who have attained 70 years and above, orphans, and people living with severe disabilities.
Kirinyaga County Commissioner Nayioma Tobiko who presided over the launch of the program said since the government initiated the process, the livelihoods of the elderly and vulnerable members in our communities has greatly improved.
He assured the beneficiaries that there would be no delay in the disbursement of the cash as witnessed in the past.
“Since this program began, we have seen changes in the lives of our elderly and vulnerable people in our society. I can assure you unlike in the past when you could wait over two months to receive the cash, this time you will get it on time. No delays,” Tobiko said.
He further called upon those willing to be registered to provide correct details and follow all procedures.
The county commissioner said his team will be going around the entire county to monitor progress insisting that all eligible residents should take advantage of the window and register and avoid unnecessary visits to social protection offices.
“My team will go around the county to monitor the process. Let people take advantage of this registration window. We don’t know when the next one will come,” he said.
Zipporah Miringu from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) said they are targeting people living with severe disabilities, especially those unable to do anything without support from caregivers.
“We are targeting those that require 24-hour assistance. They can’t do anything for themselves. I know the majority are already with NCPWD, but you may not qualify,” she said.
The county Children’s Officer Kamwila Ngege, said they are registering households that provide care for the orphans who are permanent members of that house.
They also consider those whose givers are chronically ill and can no longer provide basic needs. The government will give cash to their children for their daily livelihoods.
However, Ngege said those to be registered should not be beneficiaries of any other cash transfer program.
The children’s department is targeting 3011 orphans in Kirinyaga county, with Mwea sub-county set to register 897, Gichugu 712, Ndia 682 and Kirinyaga Central 720.
Each of the potential beneficiaries is required to present birth certificate of the orphan and the death certificate/burial permit of the parents.
By Mutai Kipngetich
