In a long queue stretching outside Safaricom House in Bungoma Town, elderly residents above the age of seventy, who are beneficiaries of the Inua Jamii programme, have raised concerns over a new government directive that requires them to register their mobile lines to receive their monthly stipends directly.
The scene at Safaricom House was one of both frustration and patience, with many elderly people accompanied by their caregivers standing for long hours under the scorching sun. Some individuals had traveled from distant areas like Siboti in Bumula constituency, hoping to meet the new registration requirements, while others had been queuing since the evening before to ensure they could access their funds.
John Munialo, a resident of Mwikhupo Village, shared his frustration after arriving at the registration center as early as 6 am, only to find that the queue was already extending beyond Safaricom House and into neighboring business premises. He pointed out that despite the large number of elderly individuals waiting, there were only a few staff members managing the registration process.
“It’s overwhelming, and there aren’t enough staff to attend to the large number of us who are here,” said Munialo. “The process could have been more efficient if there were more personnel available.”
Euliana Nasimiyu, a grandmother without a caregiver, expressed her frustration at having to endure the long wait in the heat, with little to no support. “I have no one to help me,” she said. “I’ve been waiting here for hours without food or water, and there’s no one to take care of me. This could have been made easier if the registration was done at different market centers instead of only one location.”
Nasimiyu’s sentiments were echoed by Martin Khaoya, an octogenarian, who questioned why the government had changed the process. “We used to receive our stipends through the special cards, why not continue with that system? It would have saved us the hassle of coming all the way here,” said Khaoya, who struggled to travel to the registration center.
Juma Cheloti, a caregiver for one of the elderly beneficiaries, added that the situation was especially challenging for those who had to be transported from far-flung areas. “It’s very difficult to bring elderly people from distant villages just for something that could have been done more efficiently at the local level,” Cheloti said. “While we understand the government is trying to streamline the process, they need to consider the realities of those they are trying to help.”
