The Kenyan government has announced a major shift in the disbursement of funds under the Inua Jamii programme. Starting from the January 2025 payment cycle, all beneficiaries will receive their stipends through M-Pesa, marking a significant transition from the previous system. This move aims to streamline the process and increase accessibility for the millions of vulnerable citizens who rely on this crucial support.
Inua Jamii, which targets over 1.7 million vulnerable individuals, including orphans, vulnerable children, senior citizens over 70 years old, and persons with severe disabilities, has been a lifeline for many Kenyans. The programme provides monthly stipends to help cushion beneficiaries from poverty and hunger. However, the previous payment system, which required elderly beneficiaries to travel to banks to collect their funds, posed several challenges, including long distances, high costs, and other logistical inconveniences.
To address these issues, the government has migrated all payments to the eCitizen M-Pesa payment platform. Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Principal Secretary Joseph Motari confirmed the change on Thursday, explaining that beneficiaries will now access their payments via M-Pesa agents by dialing the USSD code *222#. This will ensure that individuals no longer have to make long journeys to distant banks, improving convenience and reducing the financial burden associated with travel.
For beneficiaries to access the funds, they must have a Safaricom line registered under their ID, and their M-Pesa account needs to be activated. Those who have not yet registered for M-Pesa are encouraged to do so in order to receive their payments. The government has made it clear that current Safaricom customers only need to ensure their M-Pesa accounts are active, while those without M-Pesa are advised to visit Safaricom service points for registration.
The government’s shift to M-Pesa payments is in line with its broader agenda to improve financial inclusion and digital service delivery across the country. This digital move not only ensures quicker and more secure payments but also aligns with Kenya’s ongoing efforts to promote cashless transactions, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
For any assistance, Inua Jamii beneficiaries can visit local County/Sub-county Social Development offices, County Children Services offices, or call the Inua Jamii Toll-Free line at 1533.
This shift is a step toward reducing barriers to social services, making it easier for vulnerable populations to access the support they need, while also supporting the government’s broader agenda of digital financial inclusion.
