The government is set to enrol 1.3 million deserving Kenyans to the Inua Jamii programme, Labour and Social Protection CS Florence Bore has said.
She said the government will in two months increase the number of Inua Jamii beneficiaries from 1.2 million to 2.5 million.
The CS was speaking in Thika, Kiambu county, during community intervention activities in which more than 6,000 vulnerable families received food, mattresses and blankets.
Bore, who was accompanied by area MP Alice Ng'ang'a, said the government is committed to supporting the most vulnerable in society.
“Our officers will be moving to every corner of the country to ensure that all deserving Kenyans are enlisted with the cash transfer programme. We will start with 500,000 this year and then register 800,000 more Kenyans at the start of next year,” the CS said.
Those who will receive the monthly stipend from the programme will include elderly people above the age of 70 and total orphans.
The CS's announcement was lauded by the elderly who have passed the age of qualification but have never benefitted from the programme.
Led by Mary Njoki and Mary Njeri, the elderly persons said they will now be able to buy medication and foot their basic needs bills.
“I’m 88 years old and I’ve never received a dime. I have been wondering whether the government would give me the financial support when on my deathbed. I'm however elated for this noble move and I’m optimistic that I will start receiving the cash,” Njoki said.
MP Ng'anga, who is also the Departmental Committee on Social Protection chairperson, said the government will soon begin door-to-door medical checkups for persons above the age of 70.
Besides the Inua Jamii programme that will continue to help eradicate poverty, hunger and malnutrition, Ng'ang'a revealed that the government is committed to further improve the health of senior citizens.
Under the initiative, trained community health workers will be moving across villages monitoring the health status of the elderly and advising them, especially on eating habits.
“It’s an initiative by President William Ruto that will significantly assist the poor and the vulnerable in our villages. The elderly who mostly suffer with old age illnesses will benefit. Health officers will be moving in the villages examining and treating them,” she said.
The MP said the numerous social protection programmes are geared towards ensuring that the dignity of the elderly is protected describing them as crucial societal pillars who have fought hard in nation-building activities.
She also disclosed plans to empower young mothers with educational opportunities, affordable child care and avenues for career growth.
“This will go a long way in ensuring that the young mothers are empowered with the requisite knowledge and skills that will be imperative in improving their livelihoods,” she said.
