Govt Enrols 500,000 Kenyans for Free Cash

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaks during a fundraising event at ACK St. Mark's Lokireny in Nandi Hills, Nandi County on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaks during a fundraising event at ACK St. Mark's Lokireny in Nandi Hills, Nandi County on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
DPPS

The government has launched the registration of 500,000 Kenyans who will be enrolled in the Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Programme which is aimed at cushioning vulnerable people in society.

As per the programme scheduled launched by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday, the exercise will commence on September 1 and will be conducted across the country.

The programme targets three main groups including orphans and vulnerable children, old persons above the age of 70 years and persons with severe disabilities.

The registration programme was launched following a directive issued by President William Ruto who intended to have 2.5 million beneficiaries in the next three years.

Elderly people follow during the launch of Inua Jamii cash transfer programme in Nyeri in 2017.
Elderly people follow during the launch of Inua Jamii cash transfer programme in Nyeri in 2017.
File

Additionally, 190,265 more Kenya will be registered to replace those who have exited the programme.

The exercise will be coordinated by National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) who will look at the eligibility of those to be put in the programme.

"As we launch the second registration of farmers and enlist vulnerable members under the Inua Jamii Programme,  the data we obtain will be crucial in long-term planning and better decision-making towards resilience.

"The Kenya Kwanza Administration is committed to increasing agricultural production towards food security," Gachagua stated.

Here are the Targeted Groups;
1. Orphans and Vulnerable Children 

The programme targets households with a caregiver who is chronically ill and is not benefiting from any other social assistance programme. Beneficiaries get monthly support of a minimum of Ksh2,000.

2. Older Persons

Beneficiaries have to be above 70 years and are not receiving any pension. They also don't have to be enrolled in any other cash transfer programme. The government disburses a minimum of Ksh2,000 to beneficiaries in this group monthly.

3. Persons with Severe Disabilities 

Similar to other categories, one has to be a Kenyan citizen and not do not benefit from another programme. One also has to come from a poor background. Those in this category receive a minimum of Ksh2,000 monthly.

4. Hunger Safety Net Programme

Individuals targeted in the programme come from Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera and Wajir counties. The groups receive a minimum of Ksh5,400  bimonthly.

An image of a phone user inserting a pin on their mobile.
A photo of a phone user inserting a pin on their mobile phone during the registration of Hustler Fund on November 30, 2022.
Photo
Ministry of Cooperatives