West Pokot social development department has registered 2,300 elderly people aged 70 years and above under Inua Jamii programme. The County director for Social Development, Margaret Ojako said the programme is aimed at delivering regular bi-monthly cash transfer of Kshs 4,000 per individual who is 70 years and above. The beneficiaries are set to receive Kshs 2,000 every month but this will be given out after every two months which means an individual will get Kshs 4,000 after every two months.
Speaking at KAG church at Psigirio in Kapenguria constituency during the launch of Inua Jamii validation and enrolment of elderly persons, the director said the department would know the exact number of the beneficiaries after the end of the exercise.
She pointed out that the beneficiaries are required to visit the nearest mobilization centre during the validation period with the original identity card, saying the exercise is expected to take around two weeks.
The director said by providing such funds, the elderly would be able to get access to basic needs and improve their livelihood. “The aim of this programme is to enhance income security, improve livelihood among the persons aged 70 years plus, and at the same time build resilience and foster a life of dignity among older people,” she said.
During the launch, the participants expressed concern over the time frame saying the programme which was expected to kick off on 1st January this year has taken so long.
“The government informed us that the beneficiaries will receive their cash by January this year and up to date nothing has been done and now it’s April,” expressed Porit Kasabei.
The director assured them that the government is concerned and committed to seeing to it that the programme takes off in the shortest time possible. She added that the beneficiaries are expected to choose banks of their choice and be issued with ATM cards.