Man collapses, dies queuing to get Inua Jamii funds in Lodwar

A man aged 85 collapsed and died as he waited to receive his Inua Jamii funds in Lodwar, Turkana.

Officials said Natoot Kpsopir Esinyen had walked from his home in Nasinger, which is about 20 kilometers away to come and collect his Inua Jamii funds when he collapsed under a shade outside an office.

He was rushed to Lodwar County Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police said the body was moved to the mortuary pending autopsy to establish the cause of the death, which occurred on August 1 at noon.

The government says the objective of Inua Jamii is to uplift the lives of poor and vulnerable citizens through regular and reliable bi-monthly cash transfers.

Those eligible for the National Safety Net Program are orphans and vulnerable children, older persons, persons with severe disabilities and those affected by hunger.

The targeted groups receive Sh2,000 per month (Sh4,000 is paid bi-monthly).

According to officials, the program offers a common operational platform to the beneficiaries.

The Older Persons Cash Transfer is for an older person who is a Kenyan citizen, 70 years and above and who does not receive a pension, not enrolled in any other cash transfer program and residing in a particular location for more than a year.

Hunger Safety Net Programme is for vulnerable and poor households of Northern Kenya, residing in the poorest arid counties of Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera and Wajir.

Inua Jamii is managed from the national level under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Ministry of Devolution and ASAL.

It mainly works through the staff of local county and subcounty offices and a network of Beneficiary Welfare Committees in each location.

Additional support is provided by the local administration, including chiefs, assistant chiefs and community members.