Kabuchai Member of Parliament Majimbo Kalasinga has proposed lowering the eligibility age for the Inua Jamii program from 70 years to 60 years.
In a motion scheduled for discussion in Parliament on Wednesday, February 28, the MP explained that this adjustment would enable more elderly Kenyans to live a life of dignity. If implemented, it would alleviate poverty and suffering among older members of society.
"Capping the eligibility for enrolment to the Inua Jamiii Programme at the age of 70 years is discriminatory to the older members of society and negates the spirit of the Constitution entitling support to older members of the society," he stated.
He explained that the government had set the age limit at 70 years when Article 260 of the Constitution defines an 'older member of society' as anyone who has attained the age of 60 years.
Per Article 57 of the Constitution, the State is mandated to ensure the rights of older persons are protected. These rights include living in dignity, respect and free from abuse, receiving reasonable care and assistance and pursuing their personal development.
Kalasinga further argued that lowering the cap is in line with the government's plan to support more vulnerable and underprivileged members of society, aiming to reach 2.5 million beneficiaries in the next three years.
If approved, the group will receive regular and predictable cash transfers from the government. Recently the Ministry of Labour disbursed Ksh2.1 billion for the elderly.
While disbursing the funds in February, Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore called upon 100,0000 beneficiaries to register with mobile money to ensure they get their funds more easily and efficiently.
Each Kenyan under this program receives about Ksh2,000 monthly. However, in the past, vulnerable members of the community went months without the funds.
Besides, the elderly, the government is also mandated to offer a stipend to orphans and vulnerable children, the unemployed, persons disabled by acute chronic illness, widows and widowers, persons with disability and any other person listed by the CS from time to time.
This is enshrined in the Social Assistance Act, which mandates all individuals to meet the specified requirements.
Recently, Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara proposed the inclusion of Kenyans earning low incomes in the government payroll, providing them with a monthly stipend.
