The government is set to enroll 1.3 million more deserving Kenyans to ‘Inua Jamii’, the social protection programme.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection Florence Bore disclosed that in a bid to ensure sustainable livelihoods, the government will in two months increase the number of beneficiaries from 1.2 million to 2.5 million.
This, she noted will cushion beneficiaries from poverty and vulnerabilities as well as improve their livelihoods.
Speaking in Thika, Kiambu County during community intervention activities that saw over 6,000 vulnerable families receive food stuffs and other household items such as mattresses and blankets, Bore who was accompanied by area MP Alice Ng’ang’a noted that Kenya Kwanza Government is committed to supporting the most vulnerable in the Society and ensure that social protection is realized by all Kenyans.
“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.
The new registration of beneficiaries in the program will include the enlistment of the elderly above the age of 70 and total orphans who will start receiving monthly stipends from the government for better lives.
The CS’s announcement was lauded by the elderly who have passed the age of qualification but have never benefited from the program.
Led by Mary Njoki the elderly persons noted that they will now be able to buy medication and foot their basic needs bills.
“I’m 88 years old and I’ve never received anything. I have been wondering whether the government would give me financial support on my deathbed. I am however elated for this noble move and I’m optimistic that I will start receiving the cash,” Njoki said.
On her part, area MP Alice Ng’anga who is also the Chairperson Departmental Committee on Social Protection revealed that the government will soon begin door-to-door medical checkups among persons above the age of 70 for healthier lives.
Besides the Inua Jamii program that will continue to help eradicate poverty, hunger and malnutrition, Ng’ang’a revealed that the government is committed to further improving the health of senior citizens.
Under the initiative, trained community health workers will be moving across villages monitoring the health status of the elderly before giving them the requisite health advice, especially on eating habits for better lives.
“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 from 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 programs 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.
By Kamau Njoroge
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