The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, on July 6, released a statement concerning the funding of the Inua Jamii project.
The Social Protection Principal Secretary (PS) Nelson Marwa stated that the Ministry has released Ksh8.76 billion to the cash transfer program to cater to the program's beneficiaries.
A further Kshs26 million was also disbursed to cater for beneficiaries of the Nutrition Improvement Through Cash and Health Education Complementary program (NICHE).
The disbursed money will only cater to those enrolled in the program as well as having successfully submitted to the Consolidated Cash Transfer Program Management Information System.
Each beneficiary will receive Ksh8,000 as payments for March, April, May and June 2021. Those also enrolled under NICHE will receive an additional amount of up to Ksh4,000 per household.
Inua Jamii was launched in 2015 by President Uhuru Kenyatta as one of the channels aimed at tackling poverty in the region as well as catering to the underprivileged in society and boosting economic growth.
The project targets orphans and vulnerable children, older persons and persons with severe disabilities based in Marsabit, Turkana, Kitui, Kwale and West Pokot Counties.
The NICHE Complementary Programme targets households with children under two years, pregnant and lactating mothers who are already enrolled in the Inua Jamii programme.
Marwa further advises on the financial areas concerning the programme. "Beneficiaries or caregivers can access all, or part, of this payment at any time over a six months' period."
"Therefore, beneficiaries are advised that the funds will remain in their accounts for a period of six months hence there is no need for all of them to rush to the banks to collect the money at the same time. This will avid crowding," stated Nelson Marwa.
The funds that have been credited to over 1 million beneficiaries with payments are scheduled beginning Monday, July 12.
Procedures for the payment of funds have been agreed upon between the Ministry and the paying banks in ensuring the Ministry of Health guidelines are strictly followed. These include the utilisation of mobile banking platforms preventing crowding of beneficiaries at the payment points, ensuring social distancing by staggering payments, provision of handwashing facilities, sanitisers and masks for the beneficiaries during the payment and ensuring all biometric devices are cleaned and regularly sanitised.
The Ministry will also collaborate with the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government, County Governments, elected leaders and ministries' field staff to ensure seamless coordination in the payment process.
